A nurse is assessing a client who has infective endocarditis. Which of the following findings should be the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
Splinter hemorrhages to the nails
Fever
Clusters of petechiae in the mouth
Dyspnea
The Correct Answer is D
A. Splinter hemorrhages are a common sign of infective endocarditis but are not immediately life-threatening.
B. Fever is a typical manifestation of infection and expected in infective endocarditis, not a priority unless unresponsive to treatment.
C. Clusters of petechiae in the mouth indicate microemboli or vascular involvement, but they are not an acute threat.
D. Dyspnea is the priority finding because it may indicate heart failure or pulmonary embolism, both of which are serious complications of infective endocarditis and require immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Oliguria (low urine output) is an expected finding in hypovolemic shock due to decreased renal perfusion as blood is shunted to vital organs.
B. Hypertension is not expected; hypotension is more typical as circulating blood volume decreases.
C. Bradypnea is not common; tachypnea is expected as the body tries to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery.
D. Flushing of the skin is associated with early septic shock; in hypovolemic shock, the skin is typically cool, pale, and clammy due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Platelets are administered to treat or prevent bleeding due to thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, not primarily for volume loss.
B. Albumin is a plasma volume expander and may be used in hypovolemia, but it does not replace oxygen-carrying capacity like RBCs do.
C. Cryoprecipitates are rich in clotting factors (e.g., fibrinogen, factor VIII) and are used for coagulopathies, not as a primary treatment for hypovolemic shock.
D. Packed RBCs are the appropriate choice in hypovolemic shock, especially when blood loss has occurred, as they restore oxygen-carrying capacity and circulating blood volume.
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