A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

Surgical site

Respiratory Status

Level of consciousness

Pain level

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. This is often the nurse's top priority in the PACU. Anesthesia can depress respiratory function, leading to hypoventilation or airway obstruction. The nurse assesses respiratory rate, effort, oxygen saturation, and auscultates breath sounds to ensure adequate ventilation. Addressing any respiratory compromise promptly is crucial to prevent hypoxia or respiratory arrest.

A Assessing the surgical site is important to monitor for bleeding, infection, or any other complications related to the procedure. However, immediately after surgery, other assessments take precedence over this unless there is a specific concern like excessive bleeding or signs of infection.

C. Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is vital to detect any signs of neurological complications or delayed emergence from anesthesia. The nurse assesses orientation, responsiveness, and neurological signs to ensure the client is awakening appropriately from anesthesia.

D. Assessing pain is important as clients may experience discomfort after surgery. Pain can also affect respiratory function and overall recovery. However, it is typically assessed after ensuring respiratory status and consciousness are stable, as uncontrolled pain can be managed once immediate physiological concerns are addressed.

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Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Urine ketones:

They are commonly present in DKA due to the breakdown of fats as an alternative energy source when insulin is insufficient. Ketones in urine are a hallmark sign of DKA.

Ketones may not be present in urine in HHS because insulin levels are sufficient to prevent excessive breakdown of fats. Therefore, urine ketones are more specific to DKA.

Creatinine greater than expected reference range

DKA: In DKA, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), resulting in elevated creatinine levels.

HHS: Elevated creatinine can also occur in HHS due to severe dehydration and reduced kidney perfusion.

Blood glucose greater than expected reference range:

DKA: Extremely high blood glucose levels (typically >250 mg/dL) are a hallmark of DKA due to insulin deficiency and the resultant inability to transport glucose into cells for energy.

HHS: Similar to DKA, HHS is characterized by extremely high blood glucose levels (often >600 mg/dL). Therefore, elevated blood glucose levels are consistent with both DKA and HHS.

Skin turgor

DKA: Decreased skin turgor is indicative of dehydration, which is common in DKA due to excessive urination (polyuria) and fluid loss.

HHS: Similarly, decreased skin turgor can also be seen in HHS due to profound dehydration caused by excessive hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis.

Blood pH greater than expected reference range

DKA: DKA is characterized by metabolic acidosis, leading to a decreased blood pH (<7.35). Therefore, a pH greater than expected reference range would not be typical for DKA.

HHS: HHS, on the other hand, is characterized by severe hyperglycemia without significant ketoacidosis. Patients with HHS can have a normal or even elevated blood pH (>7.45) due to compensation mechanisms and absence of significant acidosis.

A. Lidocaine B. Digoxin C. Atropine D. Sotalol

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that increases heart rate by blocking vagal tone to the heart. It is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia, including sinus bradycardia that causes hemodynamic instability

A Lidocaine is primarily used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in the setting of acute myocardial infarction or during cardiac arrest. Sinus bradycardia with S-T segment elevation suggests ischemia or injury to the heart muscle (myocardium) rather than ventricular arrhythmias.

B. Digoxin is a medication used to increase myocardial contractility and reduce heart rate in certain heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. It is not typically indicated for acute management of sinus bradycardia

D. Sotalol is a beta-blocker with class III antiarrhythmic properties. It is used primarily for the management of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, not for acute coronary syndrome or sinus bradycardia with myocardial ischemia.

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A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits For each assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state (HHS). Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client in the ICU. The client's ECG monitor tracing reveals sinus bradycardia and S-T segment elevation. The client reports shortness of breath and feeling dizzy and faint. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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