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A 74-year-old female older adult was admitted to the ER with Shortness of breath, lethargy, and dry oral mucosa. The patient reports being thirsty, and no complaints of pain are noted. BP is 90/50, HR 122, temperature 100, and pulse ox is 94%. The patient is started on IV therapy and has been diagnosed with Dehydration. Her height is 5 Feet, 3 inches and her current weight is 98 pounds. Dark scanty urine present, NKDA or NKFA and has a history of gout, falls, and loss of appetite.

After reviewing the patient's information, identify all pertinent assessment data that is important and of immediate concern.

Select all that apply.

Weight 98Lbs

Dehydrated

Admitted to the ER

Lethargy

HR 122

Shortness of Breath

Temperature 100

Thirsty

Female

BP 90/50

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,D,E,F,G,H,J

● Weight 98 lbs: This information helps determine the patient's baseline weight and assess for potential weight loss associated with dehydration.

● Dehydrated: The diagnosis of dehydration indicates a critical condition that requires immediate attention and intervention.

● Lethargy: Lethargy suggests a decreased level of consciousness and could indicate a severe state of dehydration or other underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly.

● HR 122: A heart rate of 122 beats per minute is elevated and may indicate compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration or other underlying conditions. It requires further evaluation and intervention.

● Shortness of Breath: This symptom suggests respiratory distress and may be related to the patient's dehydration or underlying conditions. It requires immediate assessment and intervention.

● Temperature 100: An elevated temperature may indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory response. It requires further evaluation to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

● Thirsty: The patient's report of feeling thirsty is an important symptom indicating dehydration and the need for fluid replacement.

● BP 90/50: A blood pressure of 90/50 is low and may be indicative of hypotension, which can occur in dehydration. It requires close monitoring and intervention to stabilize the patient's blood pressure.

The following items are not immediate concerns based on the given information: ● Admitted to the ER: While it is important information, it is not a current concern as the patient is already in the ER.

● Female: The patient's gender is not an immediate concern for the assessment and management of dehydration.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the nose, and it often involves the placement of nasal packing to control bleeding, support the nasal structures, and promote healing. Nasal packing can cause mouth breathing and oral dryness, which can lead to increased swallowing as the patient tries to alleviate the discomfort.

While bleeding posterior to the nasal packing is a potential complication of rhinoplasty, it typically presents with other symptoms such as active bleeding, nasal discharge, or changes in vital signs. Without additional information or signs of active bleeding, it is less likely to be the cause of the patient's frequent swallowing in this scenario.

An adverse reaction to the analgesic is possible, but it would typically present with other symptoms such as allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting). In the absence of these symptoms, an adverse reaction to the analgesic is less likely.

Lastly, a normal response to the analgesic and surgery would not typically manifest as frequent swallowing. While pain medication can cause side effects, such as drowsiness or nausea, increased swallowing is not a common response.

A. administration of antiemetics B. administration of diuretics C. Possible Electrolyte replacement if warranted D. Administration of IV 0.9 Saline Solution infusion E. Have the patient go home and rest. It will resolve itself shortly.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Mrs. Kalen is diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration, and the arterial blood gas results indicate metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH and HCO3-). This suggests that there is an excessive loss of gastric acid and chloride ions from vomiting, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes and an increase in bicarbonate levels.

To correct the imbalance and treat dehydration, the primary intervention is fluid replacement. Administration of IV 0.9 Saline Solution, also known as normal saline, is commonly used for fluid resuscitation and rehydration. This isotonic solution helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.

Administration of antiemetics may help control vomiting, but the primary treatment focus in this case is fluid and electrolyte replacement to correct dehydration and the associated metabolic alkalosis.

Administration of diuretics, which increase urine output, would not be appropriate in this case as the patient is already experiencing dehydration.

Electrolyte replacement may be necessary if there are specific electrolyte imbalances identified, but the primary treatment is fluid replacement with IV saline solution.

Having the patient go home and rest without addressing the underlying dehydration and metabolic alkalosis would not be appropriate as it can lead to further complications.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient, age 23, underwent a rhinoplasty 6 hours ago. After administering his pain medication, the nurse notes that he is swallowing frequently. What is the most likely cause of the swallowing?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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