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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The development of nausea and increased upper abdominal bowel sounds after 24 hours of NG decompression in a patient with gastric outlet obstruction raises concerns for possible complications or changes in the patient's condition. Assessing the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, can provide important information about their circulatory status and overall stability.
While checking the patency of the NG tube is important, it is not the best immediate action in this situation. The nurse should first assess the patient's vital signs to ensure their stability before proceeding with further interventions.
Placing the patient in a recumbent position (lying down) or encouraging deep breathing and conscious relaxation may not address the underlying issue and could potentially exacerbate the symptoms. It is essential to assess the patient's vital signs and circulatory status to determine the appropriate course of action.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Crackles and wheezing indicate the presence of excessive mucus or secretions in the airways, which may require suctioning to clear the airway and improve breathing.
The presence of serosanguineous drainage on the tracheostomy dressing may indicate increased mucus production or bleeding, suggesting the need for suctioning to remove secretions or assess for any bleeding complications.
Regular suctioning is necessary to maintain a patent airway for patients with a tracheostomy. If suctioning was performed more than 4 hours ago, it may be time for another suctioning session to prevent the accumulation of secretions and maintain airway clearance. While a fever may indicate an underlying infection or inflammation, it does not specifically indicate the need for suctioning. The decision to suction should be based on the patient's respiratory assessment and the presence of respiratory symptoms.
While patient requests and preferences are important, the need for suctioning should be determined based on clinical indicators and assessment findings rather than solely relying on patient requests.
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