A 55-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The patient reports passing black, tarry stools and experiencing dizziness and weakness. On physical examination, he is pale and diaphoretic.
Which of the following are the most appropriate initial nursing interventions for this patient? (Select all that apply)
Administer IV fluids
Prepare for possible blood transfusion
Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Administer oral iron supplements to address anemia
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
A. Administer IV fluids: The patient is hypotensive (blood pressure 88/54 mmHg) and tachycardic (heart rate 115 bpm), indicating possible hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Administering IV fluids will help to stabilize blood pressure.
B. Prepare for possible blood transfusion: The patient's hemoglobin level is critically low (6.5 g/dL), indicating significant blood loss and severe anemia. Preparing for a blood transfusion is crucial to correct the anemia.
C. Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels: Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is vital to assess the severity of the patient's anemia and response to treatment, guiding further interventions.
D. Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI): PPIs can help reduce gastric acid secretion, which may help control bleeding from peptic ulcers, a common cause of upper GI bleeding.
E. Administer oral iron supplements to address anemia: Oral iron supplements are typically used for long-term management of iron deficiency anemia but are not effective for immediate correction of severe anemia, particularly in an acute setting with ongoing blood loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. I should eat large meals to reduce the frequency of acid reflux: Large meals can worsen GERD by increasing stomach pressure and acid production, leading to reflux. Small, frequent meals are recommended instead.
B. I should drink peppermint tea after meals to help with digestion: While peppermint may help with general digestion, it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making GERD worse by allowing acid to reflux into the esophagus.
C. I should lie down immediately after eating to prevent heartburn: Lying down after meals increases the likelihood of acid reflux due to gravity, especially if the stomach is full, and should be avoided.
D. I should avoid eating meals at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Avoiding meals 2-3 hours before bedtime helps reduce acid reflux by preventing the stomach from being full and producing excess acid when lying down.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Incontinence: Incontinence is not a typical symptom of renal calculi. Pain, urgency, and difficulty urinating are more common.
B. Gastrointestinal upset: Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset can occur as a result of renal colic due to the proximity of the kidneys to the gastrointestinal system.
C. Urinary urgency: Clients with renal calculi may experience urinary urgency due to irritation of the urinary tract.
D. Fever: Fever may indicate an infection related to the obstruction caused by the stone, such as pyelonephritis.
E. Flank pain: Flank pain, often severe and radiating to the lower abdomen or groin, is a classic symptom of renal calculi as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.