A client is admitted with an exacerbation of heart failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which observation(s) by the nurse require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client? (Select all that apply.).
The client’s oxygen saturation level is 85%.
The client is eating less than half of meals
The client’s heart rate is 110 beats per minute.
The client is reading a book.
The client’s blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
The observation(s) by the nurse that require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client are:
A. The client’s oxygen saturation level is 85%. This is a sign of hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue hypoxia, organ damage, and cardiac arrest. The nurse should administer oxygen therapy and monitor the client’s respiratory status closely.
C. The client’s heart rate is 110 beats per minute. This is a sign of tachycardia, which can indicate worsening heart failure, dehydration, infection, or anxiety. The nurse should assess the client’s fluid balance, vital signs, and symptoms and report any changes to the physician. The nurse should also administer medications as prescribed to control the heart rate and reduce the cardiac workload.
E. The client’s blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg. This is a sign of hypertension, which can increase the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. The nurse should administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed and monitor the client’s blood pressure and urine output. The nurse should also educate the client on lifestyle modifications to lower blood pressure, such as reducing salt intake, exercising, and managing stress .
The other observations do not require immediate intervention, but they should be addressed as part of the comprehensive nursing care plan for the client with heart failure and COPD. These include:
B. The client is eating less than half of meals. This can indicate poor appetite, nausea, dyspnea, or fatigue, which can affect the client’s nutritional status and energy level. The nurse should encourage the client to eat small, frequent, and balanced meals that are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. The nurse should also provide oral hygiene and offer supplements or enteral feeding if needed .
D. The client is reading a book. This can indicate that the client is coping well with the condition and engaging in leisure activities that promote relaxation and mental health. The nurse should praise the client for this positive behavior and provide emotional support and counseling as needed. The nurse should also teach the client about the signs and symptoms of exacerbation and when to seek medical help .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the correct answer because BUN and creatinine are the most important laboratory values to monitor for nephrotoxicity, which is the damage or injury to the kidneys caused by certain drugs or chemicals.
Nephrotoxicity can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in elevated levels of BUN and creatinine. The normal range for BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL, and for creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL. The practical nurse (PN) should review these values before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, such as aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, vancomycin, or sulfonamides. The PN should also monitor the client for signs and symptoms of nephrotoxicity, such as decreased urine output, edema, hypertension, fatigue, nausea, and confusion.
a) Serum calcium
This is not the correct answer because serum calcium is not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Serum calcium is the amount of calcium in the blood, which is important for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. The normal range for serum calcium is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. Serum calcium may be affected by kidney disease, but it is not a reliable indicator of nephrotoxicity.
b) Hemoglobin and hematocrit
This is not the correct answer because hemoglobin and hematocrit are not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. The normal range for hemoglobin is 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12 to 15.5 g/dL for women, and for hematocrit is 38.8 to 50% for men and 34.9 to 44.5% for women.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit may be affected by kidney disease, but they are not reliable indicators of
nephrotoxicity.
c) White blood cell count (WBC)
This is not the correct answer because WBC is not directly related to nephrotoxicity. WBC is the number of white blood cells in the blood, which are part of the immune system and fight infections. The normal range for WBC is 4,500 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. WBC may be elevated in response to an infection or inflammation, but it is not a reliable indicator of nephrotoxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obtaining a urine specimen for analysis is an important step in the assessment of the client with renal calculi. However, it is not the most immediate intervention when the client is experiencing severe flank pain and hematuria. Pain management should take precedence.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Severe flank pain in a client with renal calculi is indicative of renal colic, which is typically excruciating. Administering a prescribed opioid analgesic is the priority to relieve the client's pain and distress.
Choice C rationale:
Straining the urine for the presence of stones is an essential nursing intervention to identify and collect any passed stones. However, it is not the most immediate action when the client is in severe pain. Pain management is the priority.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the client for a prescribed computed tomography (CT) scan is an important diagnostic step to assess the location and size of the renal calculi. However, it is not the most immediate intervention when the client is in severe pain and distress. Pain management should come first.
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