A nurse is assisting in the care of a newly admitted client.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately to the provider?
Select all that apply.
Blood pressure
Mental confusion
Cold, clammy skin
Sodium level
Pain
Heart Rate
Serum amylase level
Respiratory status
Urine output
Temperature
Correct Answer : A,B,C,F,G,I,J
A. The blood pressure dropped from 126/78 mm Hg on Day 1 to 80/60 mm Hg on Day 2. This change could signify worsening clinical status, potentially indicating shock or significant fluid loss.
B. The client's confusion and slow response can indicate a change in neurological status, possibly related to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or infection. This is a significant finding that requires immediate attention.
C. The client's skin changed from warm and dry to pale, cool, and clammy, suggesting possible shock or hypoperfusion. This is a critical sign that needs to be communicated to the provider.
D. The sodium level remains within normal limits (144 mEq/L) and does not show significant changes. Therefore, it does not require immediate reporting.
E. While the pain level increased from 3/10 to 6/10, pain itself is subjective and should be monitored closely. It may require adjustment in pain management but is not immediately life-threatening compared to other findings.
F. The heart rate increased from 90/min on Day 1 to 110/min on Day 2, indicating tachycardia. This can signify an underlying issue, such as hypovolemia or sepsis, especially given the other concerning findings.
G. The serum amylase level is significantly elevated on both days, with a sharp increase from 498 units/L to 1,058 units/L. This finding indicates potential pancreatitis or pancreatic injury, which can lead to serious complications. Given the clinical picture of worsening abdominal pain and elevated lipase (which also increased to 1,283 units/L), it is crucial to report this finding to the provider immediately.
H. The respiratory rate increased from 18/min to 22/min, indicating mild respiratory distress. While concerning, it does not represent an acute emergency compared to other findings and should be monitored.
I. The urine output decreased significantly from 400 mL over 8 hours to 100 mL over 6 hours, indicating possible acute kidney injury or dehydration.
J. The client’s temperature has increased from 37.2°C (99°F) to 38.4°C (101.1°F), indicating a possible infection or inflammatory response.
These findings indicate that the client may have severe acute pancreatitis, which can lead to systemic complications such as hypovolemia, shock, hypocalcemia, respiratory failure, and multiorgan failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Productive cough with thick mucus. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It causes severe coughing spells that can interfere with breathing and produce a characteristic whooping sound when inhaling. The cough may also be accompanied by thick mucus that can be difficult to clear. Therefore, a nurse should expect to see a productive cough with thick mucus as a manifestation of pertussis in a child. The other options are not typical manifestations of pertussis, but rather of other conditions. A beefy, red tongue may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia. Facial erythema may indicate fever, allergy, or inflammation. Peeling of the hands and feet may indicate Kawasaki disease, a rare inflammatory disorder that affects the blood vessels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: D. Blurry vision
Rationale: Blurry vision, along with yellow-green halos around lights, is a sign of digoxin toxicity that can occur when the serum level of the drug exceeds 2 ng/mL. Other signs of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, confusion, arrhythmias, and bradycardia. Tinnitus, constipation, and joint pain are not related to digoxin toxicity.
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