A nurse is assisting in the care of a newly admitted client.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report immédiately to the provider?Select all that apply.
Urine output
Heart rate
Sodium level
Respiratory status
Pain
Serum amylase level
Mental confusion
Blood pressure
Temperature
Cold, clammy skin
Correct Answer : B,D,G,H,J
Rationale for Correct Options:
- Heart rate. The heart rate has increased from 90/min on Day 1 to 132/min on Day 2. This significant elevation is concerning for worsening systemic inflammation, hypovolemia, or sepsis and requires immediate intervention.
- Respiratory status. The client initially had diminished breath sounds at the lung bases, but by Day 2, breath sounds are diminished throughout. This suggests worsening respiratory function, possibly due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pleural effusion, both of which can complicate severe pancreatitis. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary.
- Mental confusion. The client was alert and oriented on Day 1 but is now disoriented to person, place, and time on Day 2. This change in mental status can indicate worsening systemic inflammation, sepsis, hypoxia, or metabolic disturbances such as hypocalcemia. Immediate evaluation is needed.
- Blood pressure. While the client’s initial blood pressure was stable at 126/78 mm Hg, the current reading is not provided. If the client is experiencing hypotension, it could indicate worsening shock, requiring urgent intervention.
- Temperature. The client’s temperature increased from 37.2 °C (99 °F) on Day 1 to 38.9 °C (102 °F) on Day 2. This suggests a developing infection, such as infected pancreatic necrosis or sepsis, which requires immediate reporting and further evaluation.
- Cold, clammy skin. Cold, clammy skin is a sign of poor perfusion, which may indicate impending shock due to worsening sepsis or hypovolemia. This is an urgent finding requiring immediate attention.
Rationale for Incorrect Options:
- Urine output. The client’s urine output was documented as 60 mL/hr, which is within the normal range. There is no indication of oliguria or anuria that would require immediate reporting.
- Sodium level. The sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate a critical electrolyte imbalance requiring urgent intervention.
- Pain. The client’s pain has increased from 8/10 to 10/10 despite receiving morphine via a PCA pump. While pain management is crucial, worsening pain alone is not the most urgent concern compared to systemic complications like respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability.
- Serum amylase level. Although the serum amylase level is significantly elevated at 498 units/L, this is expected in acute pancreatitis and does not necessarily indicate an immediate life-threatening emergency. Trends in amylase and lipase levels are important for monitoring, but they do not require urgent reporting unless accompanied by other signs of deterioration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Apply a warm pack to the client's puncture site. Applying a warm pack to the puncture site is not appropriate immediately following cerebral angiography. Cold compresses are generally recommended initially to reduce swelling and discomfort, while warmth may be used later as advised by the healthcare provider.
B. Monitor for bleeding at the catheter site. Monitoring for bleeding at the catheter site is a critical action after cerebral angiography. The nurse should assess the site frequently for signs of hematoma or excessive bleeding, which can indicate complications from the procedure.
C. Replace the client's pressure dressing in 2 hr. The pressure dressing should not be replaced without specific orders from the healthcare provider. The nurse should assess the dressing for any signs of bleeding or drainage and follow the protocol for dressing changes as indicated.
D. Encourage the client to ambulate in 1 hr. Early ambulation may not be safe immediately after cerebral angiography, especially if the client has undergone a procedure involving sedation or if there is a risk of complications. The nurse should follow the provider's orders regarding activity restrictions and assess the client's readiness for ambulation based on their condition and vital signs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Apply water-soluble lubricant to the site. Lubricants are not necessary for gastrostomy tube site care. Instead, the nurse should keep the area clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection. Applying lubricant could increase moisture, potentially leading to skin breakdown or fungal infections.
B. Attach an extension tube to the site's opening prior to use. Extension tubes are only needed for certain types of gastrostomy devices, such as low-profile buttons, and should be attached only when feeding or administering medications. Continuous attachment is unnecessary and may increase the risk of dislodgment or contamination.
C. Tape the tube to the child's cheek. Taping a gastrostomy tube to the cheek is inappropriate, as it does not provide adequate stabilization and may cause discomfort. This technique is more commonly used for securing nasogastric tubes rather than gastrostomy tubes.
D. Secure the tubing to the child's abdomen. Properly securing the gastrostomy tube to the abdomen helps prevent accidental dislodgment, irritation, and skin breakdown. The tube should be secured with tape or a securement device while allowing slight movement to reduce tension on the insertion site.
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