A client who received an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the right femur after experiencing a fall at home experiences a sudden onset of increasing confusion and agitation.
When reporting to the healthcare provider using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication, which information should the nurse provide first?
Client's healthcare power of attorney.
Fall at home as reason for admission.
Currently prescribed medications.
Increasing confusion of the client.
Increasing confusion of the client.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Providing information about the client's healthcare power of attorney is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client's change in mental status and potential medical emergency.
Choice B rationale:
While the reason for the client's admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client's acute change in mental status.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should be aware of the client's currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client's sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client's altered mental status.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client's immediate needs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the UAP to apply a warm blanket and massage the client's back is the appropriate intervention in response to the client's complaints of feeling dizzy and cold during a fecal impaction removal procedure. These symptoms suggest a vasovagal response, which can be managed by keeping the client warm and providing comfort. This intervention helps increase blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a gloved finger into the rectum and massaging the rectal sphincter is not the first-line intervention when a client complains of feeling dizzy and cold during a fecal impaction removal. This invasive procedure should be reserved for cases where other interventions have failed, and it is necessary to complete the impaction removal.
Choice C rationale:
Stopping the procedure and observing for a reduction in symptoms before continuing is a reasonable approach, but it does not address the immediate discomfort and distress the client is experiencing. Providing comfort measures, such as applying a warm blanket and massaging the client's back, should be the initial response.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to take slow, deep breaths while continuing the procedure may not be effective in addressing the client's symptoms of dizziness and coldness. The client may require immediate comfort measures to stabilize their condition.
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.
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