A nurse at a provider's office is caring for a client.
Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Respiratory findings
Menstrual period
Vaginal spotting
Oxygen saturation
Heart rate
Temperature
Bowel sounds
Abdominal findings
Correct Answer : A,C,H
- Respiratory findings: The client has a history of asthma and now presents with slight inspiratory wheezes. Although respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are normal, wheezing indicates airway narrowing, which could worsen rapidly and needs prompt follow-up to prevent an acute asthma exacerbation.
- Menstrual period: The client's menstrual period is late by two weeks, but in itself, a late period does not require immediate intervention. It is an important clinical detail but does not demand urgent follow-up unless accompanied by unstable vital signs or other concerning symptoms.
- Vaginal spotting: Scant dark red spotting in a client with a late menstrual period raises concern for an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Spotting, combined with abdominal tenderness and delayed menses, demands immediate evaluation to rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- Oxygen saturation: The oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within the normal range for a healthy adult. There is no evidence of hypoxemia, so this finding does not require immediate follow-up despite the client’s mild wheezing.
- Heart rate: The heart rate of 90/min is normal and within expected limits for adults. Although the client appears anxious, the heart rate itself does not indicate hemodynamic instability and does not require immediate intervention.
- Temperature: A temperature of 37.3° C (99.1° F) is within the normal range and does not suggest active infection or systemic illness. There is no immediate concern based solely on the client’s current temperature reading.
- Bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds can be associated with various conditions, including gastroenteritis, early bowel obstruction, or anxiety. While they contribute to the overall clinical picture of abdominal discomfort, they do not, on their own, necessitate immediate follow-up .
- Abdominal findings: Right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness, especially in combination with spotting and late menses, is concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The possibility of rupture or hemorrhage makes abdominal tenderness a critical finding that requires urgent evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Blood pressure: The client's significantly elevated blood pressure (162/112 mm Hg and 166/110 mm Hg) is characteristic of preeclampsia, which is defined by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Hypertension is a major diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia but is not required for diagnosing HELLP syndrome.
- Platelet count: The platelet count of 98,000/mm³ is lower than normal, supporting both preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. In preeclampsia, thrombocytopenia can occur as the disease progresses, and in HELLP syndrome, low platelets are one of the triad components (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count).
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An ALT level of 40 Units/L is above the normal limit, indicating liver involvement. Elevated liver enzymes occur in both severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, reflecting hepatic dysfunction or injury caused by systemic endothelial damage.
- Hemoglobin: A hemoglobin of 18.0 g/dL is unusually high and suggests hemoconcentration, which is typical of preeclampsia due to fluid shifts out of the vascular space. In contrast, HELLP syndrome typically causes hemolysis leading to anemia, where hemoglobin would be expected to be low rather than elevated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F): A mild temperature in the context of periorbital cellulitis is expected and not an immediate emergency. Although periorbital cellulitis can be serious, this temperature alone does not demand immediate action over other critical symptoms.
B. An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: A headache with influenza is common and requires monitoring, but unless there are signs of severe neurological involvement, it is not the highest priority compared to potential circulatory compromise.
C. An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding: Mild vomiting or spitting up is common following a pyloromyotomy and is not unusual within the first 24 hours postoperatively. It generally does not require immediate intervention unless persistent or worsening.
D. A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numbness in the affected extremity: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, a sign of possible compartment syndrome. This is a surgical emergency that can result in permanent damage if not promptly assessed and treated.
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