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 C
Explanation
A. Oxygen saturation 95%: An oxygen saturation of 95% is within normal limits for most clients and does not indicate respiratory compromise. No immediate provider notification is necessary based solely on this oxygen saturation level during opioid therapy.
B. Respiratory rate 14/min: A respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute is normal. Significant respiratory depression from opioids like hydromorphone would typically be indicated by a rate lower than 12 breaths per minute.
C. Urinary output 160 mL/8 hr: Urinary output should be at least 30 mL/hr. A total of 160 mL in 8 hours is significantly low, suggesting possible urinary retention or decreased renal perfusion, both of which can be side effects of opioid use and should be reported promptly.
D. Blood pressure 108/58 mm Hg: While this blood pressure is on the lower side, it is not critically low for many adults. Unless the client is symptomatic with dizziness or fainting, this blood pressure alone does not require immediate provider notification.
Correct Answer is ["A","E","F","G"]
Explanation
- Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria is a significant finding suggestive of preeclampsia. Protein in the urine indicates renal involvement due to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark complication in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and needs immediate attention.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min falls within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, tachypnea, or bradypnea, so this finding does not suggest a prenatal complication.
- Gravida/parity: Although the client has a history of one preterm birth, gravida and parity alone are not indicators of a current prenatal complication. It is important background information but does not point directly to an acute complication at this time.
- Urine ketones: The absence of ketones in the urine is a normal finding. If ketones were present, it could suggest dehydration, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, but since they are negative, ketones are not a concern for prenatal complication here.
- Headache: A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman can signal worsening hypertension or preeclampsia. Persistent headaches are a concerning symptom that warrants immediate evaluation and management to prevent maternal and fetal harm.
- Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is a worrisome sign of possible fetal compromise, such as hypoxia or placental insufficiency. Reduced movements require further fetal assessment and monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
- Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading of 162/112 mm Hg is severely elevated and meets the diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia. Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy places both the mother and fetus at significant risk for serious complications.
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