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 C
Explanation
A. "My child still wets the bed at least two times per week." Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is common in young children, and while it can be concerning, it is not uncommon for a 4-year-old. Many children still experience bedwetting at this age, and it usually resolves over time.
B. "My child continually asks me the same questions." Continually asking the same questions can be typical for a 4-year-old, as children often seek clarification and reassurance through repetitive questioning. While it may be frustrating, it is generally not a sign of a serious issue.
C. "I have noticed that my child is withdrawn since we switched day care providers." Withdrawal can be a sign of emotional distress, anxiety, or adjustment issues related to the change in daycare. The nurse should further assess the child's emotional and behavioral responses to ensure they are receiving the appropriate support and intervention if needed.
D. "I have a difficult time getting my child to eat green vegetables." Getting the child to eat green vegetables is a common challenge among young children, as they often exhibit food preferences and may be picky eaters. While it is important to encourage healthy eating habits, this issue does not require immediate intervention compared to concerns about emotional withdrawal.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Beneficence. Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation to promote the well-being of clients and take actions that benefit them. While providing medication education supports the client's health, the primary ethical principle demonstrated in truthfully explaining adverse effects is veracity, not beneficence.
B. Justice. Justice involves fairness in the distribution of resources, treatment, and care. It ensures that all clients receive equitable care regardless of personal or socioeconomic differences. While justice is a fundamental ethical principle, it does not directly relate to truthfulness in medication education.
C. Veracity. Veracity is the ethical principle of honesty and truthfulness in communication with clients. By truthfully informing the client about the adverse effects of their prescribed medications, the nurse upholds veracity, ensuring the client has accurate information for informed decision-making.
D. Autonomy. Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make informed decisions about their care. While providing truthful information supports autonomy, the ethical concept the nurse demonstrates in this scenario is veracity, as the focus is on truthfully sharing medication information.
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