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
Temperature
Blood pressure
Pain
Urine output
Heart rate
Respiratory status
Sodium level
Mental confusion
Serum amylase level
Cold, clammy skin
Correct Answer : A,B,E,F,H,J
A. Temperature: The client’s temperature increased from 37.2°C (99°F) to 38.9°C (102°F), indicating a possible infection or systemic inflammatory response. Fever in acute pancreatitis can suggest worsening inflammation, infection, or sepsis and should be reported immediately.
B. Blood pressure: The client's blood pressure dropped from 126/78 mmHg to 92/48 mmHg, indicating hypotension, which could be due to fluid shifts, systemic inflammation, or early shock. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent hemodynamic instability.
C. Pain: While severe pain (rated 10/10) is expected in acute pancreatitis, it is not the most urgent concern requiring immediate reporting compared to hemodynamic instability and respiratory distress.
D. Urine output: The current urine output is not critically low (50-60 mL/hr), but continued monitoring is necessary. However, it is not an immediate life-threatening concern requiring urgent reporting.
E. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate increased from 90/min to 132/min, which is a significant tachycardia. This suggests compensatory shock, fluid loss, or worsening systemic inflammation and requires immediate provider notification.
F. Respiratory status: The respiratory rate increased from 18/min to 32/min, and oxygen saturation dropped to 88% on 3 L/min O₂. This suggests respiratory compromise, possibly due to worsening systemic inflammation, pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
G. Sodium level: The sodium level remains within the normal range (142 mEq/L; normal: 136-145 mEq/L), so it does not require immediate reporting.
H. Mental confusion: The client, who was alert on Day 1, is now disoriented. This change in mental status can indicate worsening systemic inflammation, hypoxia, or impending shock, requiring urgent intervention.
I. Serum amylase level: While elevated (498 units/L), this is expected in pancreatitis and does not require immediate notification unless there is a sudden drastic change.
J. Cold, clammy skin: This is a sign of poor perfusion and possible shock. It indicates worsening hemodynamic instability and requires immediate intervention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Rolls from back to abdomen: Rolling from back to abdomen is a typical developmental milestone for a 4-month-old infant. By this age, infants usually have increased muscle strength and coordination, allowing them to start rolling over. This movement helps build their core strength, which is important for later developmental milestones like sitting up and crawling.
B) Moves objects to mouth: It is common for a 4-month-old to move objects to their mouth as they begin exploring the world around them. This action is a key part of sensory development and helps infants develop their hand-to-mouth coordination. Additionally, this behavior assists in teething and the development of oral motor skills.
C) Anterior fontanel closed: The anterior fontanel normally closes between 12 to 18 months of age. If it is closed at 4 months, it may suggest abnormal cranial growth, such as craniosynostosis, where the sutures of the skull close too early. This could lead to increased pressure on the brain, which can cause developmental delays or other complications, so the provider should be notified for further assessment.
D) Posterior fontanel closed: The posterior fontanel typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age. If it is closed by 4 months, it is completely normal and indicates proper cranial development. The closing of the posterior fontanel helps ensure the skull's bones are fusing together as expected, and it does not raise any concerns at this stage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) If you continue to refuse to eat, I will have to insert an NG tube: This response is coercive and may not be respectful of the client’s autonomy. It can create a sense of fear and mistrust, which can make the client feel pressured or cornered. It is important to respect the client’s beliefs and preferences while also promoting nutrition, so alternative options should be explored in a more collaborative manner.
B) Why aren't you willing to eat?: While it’s important to understand the client’s reasons for refusing to eat, this response could come across as confrontational. It may place the client on the defensive and fail to acknowledge their beliefs and autonomy. A more open-ended and supportive approach is needed to create a dialogue that is respectful and patient-centered.
C) "Your nutrition is more important than your beliefs.": This response disregards the client's personal beliefs and could be perceived as disrespectful. While nutrition is critical, it is important to work within the framework of the client’s values and beliefs. The nurse should strive for a compassionate conversation that balances nutritional needs with cultural or personal beliefs.
D) Let's discuss some menu options you would be interested in.: This response is respectful of the client’s beliefs and autonomy while still addressing the issue of malnutrition. By offering options and engaging the client in the decision-making process, the nurse fosters a collaborative approach. This can help increase the likelihood of the client agreeing to eat while respecting their preferences and beliefs.
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