A nurse is assessing a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Pink, frothy sputum
Bradycardia
Flushed, dry skin
Wheezing
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pink, frothy sputum is a characteristic finding of pulmonary edema, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs. This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
B. Bradycardia is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have tachycardia due to increased sympathetic stimulation and decreased cardiac output.
C. Flushed, dry skin is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have pale, cool, and clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased perfusion.
D. Wheezing is not a specific finding of pulmonary edema. It may indicate bronchospasm or asthma, which are different conditions that affect the airways rather than the alveoli.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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Explanation
Rationale:
A: Obtain the latex free cart is incorrect. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.
B: Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is not the primary condition that the client is experiencing, but a possible secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.
C: Nausea and vomiting is incorrect. Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative symptoms that may or may not be related to malignant hyperthermia.
D:Malignant hyperthermia (MH) itself does not inherently include hypercapnia as a defining characteristic. However, during an episode of malignant hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis can occur due to the increased production of lactic acid and carbon dioxide as byproducts of the hypermetabolic state. This acidosis can potentially lead to respiratory compensation mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate and depth, to attempt to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the body. In some cases, if the compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to adequately remove carbon dioxide, hypercapnia can develop as a secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.
E: nasogastric (NG) tube is incorrect. An NG tube may be indicated for paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction, but not for malignant hyperthermia.
- F: Malignant hyperthermia is correct. The client's vital signs indicate a possible malignant hypertermia reaction, which is a rare but life-threatening complication of general anesthesia that causes a rapid rise in body temperature, muscle rigidity, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia.
- G: Administer ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication that can help with nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of malignant hyperthermia.
- H: Administer dantrolene is correct. Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be given as soon as possible to stop the metabolic crisis and lower the body temperature.
- I: Latex allergy is incorrect. Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to latex products that can cause urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.
- J: Urticaria is incorrect. Urticaria is a skin rash that can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, or other factors. There is no evidence that the client has urticaria or that it is related to malignant hyperthermia.
- K: Muscle rigidity is correct. Muscle rigidity is one of the signs of malignant hyperthermia and should be monitored closely by the nurse.
- L: Bowel sounds is correct. Bowel sounds should be assessed regularly by the nurse to detect any signs of paralytic ileus, which is a potential complication of malignant hyperthermia that causes intestinal obstruction and abdominal distension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A is correct because facilitating an interdisciplinary conference at the new facility for the family can help address their concerns, provide information about the client's plan of care, and promote continuity of care.
B is incorrect because referring the client and family to a social worker for assistance and a follow-up meeting is not enough to address their immediate concerns and does not involve other members of the health care team.
C is incorrect because reassuring the client's family that the same provider will provide care at the new facility may not be true and does not address their specific concerns about the level of care.
D is incorrect because telling the family that the rehabilitation facility has an excellent client care record is not enough to address their specific concerns and may sound dismissive.
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