A nurse assesses a patient who is admitted for treatment of fluid overload. Which manifestations does the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.)
Increased pulse rate
Decreased blood pressure
Skeletal muscle weakness
Warm and pink skin
Distended neck veins
Correct Answer : E
A. Increased pulse rate:
This is a common manifestation of fluid overload. Excess fluid volume can lead to an increase in cardiac output, causing the heart to pump faster and resulting in an increased pulse rate.
B. Decreased blood pressure:
Fluid overload typically leads to increased blood volume, which can initially cause an increase in blood pressure. However, as fluid overload progresses, it can lead to fluid redistribution, venous congestion, and decreased systemic vascular resistance, ultimately resulting in decreased blood pressure.
C. Skeletal muscle weakness:
Skeletal muscle weakness is not a direct manifestation of fluid overload. It is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, which can occur as a consequence of fluid shifts but are not specific to fluid overload itself.
D. Warm and pink skin:
Warm and pink skin is not typically associated with fluid overload. Instead, it is more indicative of adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. In fluid overload, skin changes may include edema, cool and clammy skin due to venous congestion, or signs of skin breakdown in areas of pressure.
E. Distended neck veins:
Distended neck veins, specifically jugular venous distention (JVD), are commonly seen in patients with fluid overload, especially if there is right-sided heart failure or increased central venous pressure. JVD is a result of increased venous return to the heart due to fluid accumulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, depth:
This is the correct action to take first. Hypokalemia can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, which can result in respiratory compromise or failure. Assessing the patient's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth will help determine if there are any signs of respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure.
B. Call the healthcare provider:
While it's important to involve the healthcare provider, especially if there is a significant change in the patient's condition, assessing the patient's immediate respiratory status takes priority to ensure prompt intervention if respiratory distress is present.
C. Document findings and monitor the patient:
Documenting findings and ongoing monitoring are essential steps, but they come after addressing the patient's immediate needs, such as assessing respiratory status in this case.
D. Measure the patient’s pulse and blood pressure:
While vital signs are important, they may not immediately address the potential respiratory compromise associated with hypokalemia-induced muscle weakness. Assessing respiratory status is more directly relevant to the observed change in handgrip strength.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. Morbidly obese patient: Obesity is a known risk factor for VTE due to several reasons. Morbidly obese individuals often have impaired mobility, which can lead to venous stasis (sluggish blood flow in the veins). Additionally, obesity is associated with inflammation and changes in blood clotting factors, increasing the risk of developing blood clots in the veins.
B. A woman who smokes and takes oral contraceptives or smokes: Both smoking and oral contraceptive use are independent risk factors for VTE. Smoking can cause damage to blood vessels and alter blood clotting mechanisms, while oral contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots due to hormonal changes.
C. Wheelchair-bound patient: While being wheelchair-bound alone may not always indicate a high risk for VTE, immobility is a significant risk factor for developing blood clots. Prolonged periods of immobility can lead to blood stasis in the veins, making wheelchair-bound patients susceptible to VTE, especially if other risk factors are present.
D. Patient with a humerus fracture: A humerus fracture on its own may not necessarily increase the risk of VTE significantly. However, if the fracture requires immobilization or surgery, especially if it affects the lower extremities or leads to prolonged immobility, the risk of VTE can increase due to decreased blood flow and stasis.
E. Patient who underwent a prolonged surgical procedure: Prolonged surgical procedures often involve anesthesia, immobility during surgery, and postoperative immobilization, all of which can contribute to venous stasis and increase the risk of developing VTE. Additionally, the surgical trauma itself can trigger inflammatory responses and alterations in blood clotting factors, further elevating the risk of blood clots.
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