A client with a large pleural effusion undergoes a thoracentesis. Following the procedure, which observation warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Reference Range:

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) pH [7.35 to 7.45]

PaCO, [35 to 45 mm Hg]

HCO 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)]

PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg]

The client's chest x-ray Indicates decreased pleural effusion.

The client's arterial blood gas result is a pH 7.35, PaCO, 35 mm Hg, HCO,-26 mEq (26 mmol/L), PaO, 85 mm Hg.

The client has asymmetrical chest wall expansion.

The client reports pain at the insertion site.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   A decreased pleural effusion on a chest x-ray is generally a positive outcome following a thoracentesis. It indicates that the procedure was successful in removing the excess fluid. This finding does not warrant immediate intervention and is expected after the procedure.
B.   The pH of 7.35 indicates acidosis (normal range is 7.35 to 7.45). The PaCO₂ is on the lower end of normal, suggesting that if there is an acid-base imbalance, it might be metabolic or mixed. The HCO₃⁻ is within normal limits, indicating no metabolic component. The PaO₂ is slightly below the normal range (80-100 mm Hg), which could be a concern but is not critically low.
C.   Asymmetrical chest wall expansion can indicate a complication such as pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), which could occur as a complication of thoracentesis. This finding warrants immediate intervention because it may signify a serious issue that requires prompt attention, such as the need for a chest tube or further evaluation.
D.   Pain at the insertion site is expected following a thoracentesis and is generally not an urgent concern unless it is severe or associated with other symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection. This type of pain is usually managed with analgesics and does not typically require immediate intervention unless accompanied by more serious symptoms.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While assessing cognition is important for understanding the client’s overall functioning, the immediate issue of "freezing" during ambulation is more related to motor symptoms rather than cognitive impairment. "Freezing" in Parkinson's disease is a common motor symptom where the client feels as if their feet are glued to the floor.
B. The technique of pretending to step over an imaginary object (like a crack) is known to be a helpful strategy for managing "freezing" in Parkinson's disease. This technique provides a cognitive cue that can help the client initiate movement and overcome the freezing episodes. Confirming that this is an effective technique acknowledges the client's strategy and supports their efforts to improve mobility.

C. Reorienting the client to their location and circumstances can be helpful in situations where confusion or disorientation is an issue. However, in the case of "freezing" during ambulation, this response does not directly address the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The problem here is more about movement initiation rather than orientation.
D. Moving to a carpeted area might help with traction and reduce the risk of slipping, but it does not directly address the issue of "freezing" episodes. The freezing phenomenon in Parkinson's disease is related to motor control rather than the type of flooring. While providing a safer walking environment is beneficial, it doesn’t target the underlying motor symptoms as directly as addressing the client’s technique.

A. Straining on urination and nocturia B. Azotemia and anorexia. C. Hematuria and proteinuria. D. Fever and dysuria.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. These symptoms indicate a urinary tract issue but do not necessarily indicate a high risk for injury. While they are uncomfortable, they do not typically lead to physical harm.
B. Azotemia is the build-up of waste products in the blood, and anorexia is a loss of appetite. These symptoms indicate a more severe kidney problem and do not specifically point to an increased risk of injury due to a potential UTI.
C. These symptoms suggest kidney involvement but do not necessarily indicate an imminent risk of injury. While they are important to address, they do not warrant the nursing problem of "high risk for injury due to potential urinary tract infection."

D. Fever and dysuria are classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can progress to a more serious infection, such as pyelonephritis, which can lead to sepsis and potentially life-threatening complications. Therefore, these symptoms indicate a high risk for injury due to the potential for a UTI to worsen.

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A client with a large pleural effusion undergoes a thoracentesis. Following the procedure, which observation warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Reference Range: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) pH [7.35 to 7.45] PaCO, [35 to 45 mm Hg] HCO 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg]

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse assists a client with Parkinson's disease (PD) to ambulate in the hallway. The client appears to "freeze" and then carefully lifts one leg and steps forward. The client tells the nurse of pretending to step over a crack on the floor. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is evaluating a client's symptoms, and formulates the nursing problem, "High risk for injury due to potential urinary tract infection." Which symptoms indicate the need for this nursing problem?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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