A nurse in the emergency department is assisting in the care of a client.
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Nurses Notes
1630:
Called to client's room by emergency call bell. Client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Client is short of breath, intercostal retractions visible. Wheezing auscultated throughout lung fields, Diffuse, raised rash present on trunk. Abdomen soft, nontender
Vital Signs
1630:
Temperature 38.3°C (101°F)
Heart rate 110/min
Respiratory rate 30/min
Blood pressure 90/55 mmHg
Oxygen saturation 91% on room air
Client is short of breath
intercostal retractions visible
Wheezing auscultated throughout lung fields
Diffuse, raised rash present on trunk
Respiratory rate 30/min
Blood pressure 90/55 mmHg
Oxygen saturation 91% on room air
Temperature 38.3°C (101°F)
Client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time.
Heart rate 110/min
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G"]
- Shortness of breath. The client is experiencing respiratory distress, which could indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Immediate intervention is needed to prevent airway compromise and respiratory failure.
- Intercostal retractions. Retractions occur when breathing is labored, suggesting airway obstruction or bronchoconstriction. This is a sign of worsening respiratory distress, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Wheezing auscultated throughout lung fields. Wheezing suggests bronchospasm, which is common in anaphylaxis and asthma attacks. The presence of diffuse wheezing indicates that the airways are narrowing, making breathing more difficult.
- Diffuse, raised rash present on trunk. A new-onset rash following antibiotic administration raises suspicion for anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction. Immediate treatment with antihistamines and corticosteroids may be required.
- Respiratory rate 30/min. The increased respiratory rate indicates that the client is compensating for airway constriction and hypoxia. This is an early warning sign of impending respiratory failure if not treated promptly.
- Blood pressure 90/55 mmHg. The drop in blood pressure suggests anaphylactic shock, where vasodilation and fluid leakage from capillaries lead to hypotension. Immediate administration of epinephrine is necessary to prevent cardiovascular collapse.
- Oxygen saturation 91% on room air. A decrease in oxygen saturation indicates impaired gas exchange, likely due to airway swelling and bronchospasm. Supplemental oxygen therapy should be provided to prevent further desaturation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Drowsiness. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine and acetylcholine receptors in the brain to prevent nausea and vomiting. A common adverse effect is drowsiness due to its sedative properties, which can impair alertness and coordination. Clients should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving, until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Hypertension. Dimenhydrinate does not typically cause hypertension. Instead, it may lead to mild hypotension due to its sedative and anticholinergic effects. Clients with pre-existing hypertension should still monitor their blood pressure, but significant increases are uncommon.
C. Polyuria. Increased urination is not associated with dimenhydrinate use. Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate, have anticholinergic properties, which can lead to urinary retention rather than increased urine output. Clients experiencing difficulty urinating should report this to their healthcare provider.
D. Dependent edema. Dimenhydrinate does not cause fluid retention or edema. Medications that contribute to edema typically involve hormonal, cardiovascular, or kidney-related effects, which are not mechanisms of dimenhydrinate. If a client develops unexplained edema, other underlying conditions should be investigated.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism and does not have a significant interaction with furosemide. However, both medications require careful monitoring, as hypothyroidism can affect fluid balance, but they are not contraindicated together.
B. Cetirizine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies and does not interfere with furosemide’s effects. While some antihistamines can cause mild fluid retention, this does not significantly impact furosemide therapy, making them safe to use together.
C. Lithium carbonate. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases sodium excretion. Since lithium is excreted through the kidneys in a sodium-dependent manner, a loss of sodium due to diuretic use can lead to reduced lithium excretion and toxic accumulation. Clients taking lithium should avoid diuretics unless absolutely necessary, and their lithium levels must be carefully monitored if diuretics are required.
D. Albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator used for conditions like asthma and COPD. While both furosemide and albuterol can cause hypokalemia, this does not make them absolutely contraindicated. Instead, potassium levels should be regularly monitored, and supplementation may be needed if hypokalemia develops.
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