A client who has sustained blunt abdominal trauma is admitted to the ICU. Upon assessment the nurse notices the following vital signs: T-99F; HR- 148: RR-38; B/P-60/40. The client is diaphoretic and restless. The following selections are approved by the ICU physician. What would be the PRIORITY nurse's action?

Auscultate bowel sounds, record the findings and obtain a 12-lead ECG

Initiate the standing prescription for v Dopamine at 16 mcg/kg/minute

Place soft restraints on the upper extremities and sedate as necessary

Lower the head the bed obtain a pulse ox and increase the rate of iv fluids

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Auscultate bowel sounds, record the findings, and obtain a 12-lead ECG
While auscultating bowel sounds can help assess for bowel injury and an ECG is useful for monitoring cardiac function, these interventions are not the priority. The client is in shock and requires immediate intervention to restore perfusion.

B. Initiate the standing prescription for Dopamine at 16 mcg/kg/minute
Dopamine can be used to support blood pressure in shock, but fluid resuscitation is the first-line intervention in hypovolemic shock. Vasopressors like dopamine are typically added after fluid resuscitation if hypotension persists.

C. Place soft restraints on the upper extremities and sedate as necessary
The client's restlessness is likely due to hypoxia and inadequate perfusion, not agitation. Restraints and sedation would delay critical interventions and could worsen hemodynamic instability.

D. Lower the head of the bed, obtain a pulse ox, and increase the rate of IV fluids
The client is in hypovolemic shock due to suspected internal bleeding. Lowering the head of the bed improves cerebral perfusion, increasing IV fluids restores intravascular volume, and checking pulse oximetry ensures adequate oxygenation. This is the priority action to stabilize the client.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Continue to monitor the client as a paralytic ileus is possible

Paralytic ileus can occur postoperatively, but sudden severe pain and distension indicate a more serious issue, such as bowel infarction.

B. Administer the PRN stool softener to the client

A stool softener is inappropriate if the client has a possible bowel obstruction or ischemia.

C. Obtain an order to insert a nasogastric tube set to low suction

An NG tube may help relieve distension, but it does not treat the underlying cause. The priority is to notify the surgeon.

D. Report the assessment findings to the surgeon

Absent bowel sounds, severe pain, and distension suggest bowel ischemia, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate surgical intervention.

A. Administer each unit of blood over 34 hour B. Anticipate an order for acetaminophen C. Anticipate an order for furosemide administration D. Assess for signs and symptoms of fluid overload E. Anticipate administration of FFP for the next transfusion

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Administer each unit of blood over 3–4 hours

Older clients with CHF cannot tolerate rapid fluid shifts. Blood should be administered slowly (over 3–4 hours per unit) to prevent fluid overload.

B. Anticipate an order for acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is not routinely given before blood transfusions unless the client has a history of febrile reactions.

C. Anticipate an order for furosemide administration

Loop diuretics like furosemide may be ordered between units to prevent fluid overload in CHF patients.

D. Assess for signs and symptoms of fluid overload

CHF patients are at high risk for fluid overload, leading to dyspnea, crackles, and increased BP.

E. Anticipate administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for the next transfusion

FFP is given for coagulation disorders, not for treating anemia in a GI bleed.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse cannot auscultate bowel sounds during the assessment of a client who has had a repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four days ago. The client is complaining of severe abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client with a history of coronary artery disease. ML. and CHF. The client is to receive 2 units of packed red blood cells for acute blood loss from a Grbleed. What would be the nursing priorities for blood administration of this client? (Select All that Apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who has an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The physician explains to the client that the aneurysm is small and that the client will be managed medically. Based on this information, it is most important that the nurse reinforces discharge teaching about:

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What action priority in preventing anaphylactic shock?

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