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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Place the client in Sims' position for catheter insertion: Sims' position (side-lying position) is not typically used for central venous catheter insertion. The client is usually placed in a supine or Trendelenburg position to help facilitate insertion and decrease the risk of air embolism during the procedure.
B) Prepare the client for a chest x-ray to verify catheter placement: After the insertion of a central venous catheter, a chest x-ray is routinely performed to verify the correct placement of the catheter in the superior vena cava or right atrium. This is essential to ensure the catheter is properly positioned and to check for complications like pneumothorax or inadvertent placement in the lung.
C) Use clean technique when changing the catheter dressing: When changing the dressing for a central venous catheter, sterile technique is required, not clean technique. Sterile technique minimizes the risk of infection, which is a major concern when caring for central venous access devices.
D) Verify the amount of TPN solution the client is receiving every 4 hr: While it is important to monitor the amount of TPN being infused and assess for complications, verifying the exact amount every 4 hours is not a standard procedure. Typically, TPN is managed and adjusted by the healthcare provider based on lab results, weight, and clinical status, but constant monitoring of the solution is not required.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Ensure that the negative air pressure is active for the client’s room.": Negative air pressure is used for airborne precautions, such as in the case of tuberculosis or other airborne infections. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact, not airborne transmission, so negative air pressure is not necessary in this situation.
B) "Place the client in a room with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.": A HEPA filter is used for airborne precautions to filter out airborne particles like those found in diseases such as tuberculosis or measles. Since MRSA is transmitted through direct contact and not airborne particles, placing the client in a room with a HEPA filter is not necessary.
C) "Have the client wear a mask when they are out of their room.": MRSA is typically spread by direct contact with infected wounds, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. It is not transmitted via respiratory droplets, so there is no need for the client to wear a mask when they leave their room. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than respiratory precautions.
D) "Don gloves prior to assisting the client with brushing their teeth.": MRSA is a contact-borne infection, so it is essential to use proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when coming into direct contact with the client or any of their bodily fluids or contaminated items (such as toothbrushes). Donning gloves prior to assisting with brushing their teeth ensures that the nurse avoids direct contact with potential sources of infection. This is an important measure in preventing the spread of MRSA.
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