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 D
Explanation
A) "For a client who has Clostridium difficile, I will cleanse my hands with an alcohol-based rub.":
This statement is incorrect. When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), hand hygiene must be performed using soap and water, not an alcohol-based rub. Alcohol does not effectively kill C. diff spores. Handwashing with soap and water is essential to reduce the spread of this infection, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. diff spores.
B) "Droplet precautions require that I wear a gown and gloves when providing client care.":
This statement is incorrect. Droplet precautions require wearing a surgical mask to protect against large respiratory droplets that may be expelled during coughing or sneezing. Gowns and gloves are not routinely necessary unless there is a risk of contact with body fluids or secretions. Contact precautions, not droplet precautions, would require a gown and gloves.
C) "Following a blood spill, I should use a bleach solution with a ratio of 1 to 20.":
This statement is partially correct but not fully optimal. For blood spills, the correct bleach solution ratio for disinfection is typically 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (a 1:10 ratio) rather than 1:20. The bleach solution must be strong enough to effectively kill pathogens and viruses, so a 1:9 dilution is preferred.
D) "Soiled dressings should be placed in a biohazard trash receptacle.":
This statement is correct. Soiled dressings, particularly those that are contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or pathogens, should always be disposed of in a biohazard trash receptacle. This ensures the safe and appropriate handling of potentially infectious materials and helps prevent the spread of infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "It takes 2 months of scheduled use before this medication is effective.":
This statement is incorrect. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that works to prevent asthma symptoms and improve lung function. It typically takes a few days to a week for the medication to become effective, not 2 months. Immediate relief is not expected, but long-term benefits can be seen within a relatively short period after starting the medication.
B) "I will give this medication to my child every 2 hours if he is wheezing.":
This statement is incorrect. Montelukast is a maintenance medication that is taken on a daily basis to prevent asthma symptoms. It is not a rescue medication and should not be used every 2 hours when the child is wheezing. Rescue medications like short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) should be used during an asthma attack or when wheezing occurs.
C) "I will give this medication to my child once daily in the evening.":
This statement is correct. Montelukast is typically taken once daily in the evening. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms, and taking it in the evening aligns with the medication's intended use for long-term control of asthma.
D) "I can stop giving my child this medication if he is taking steroids.":
This statement is incorrect. Montelukast is often used alongside steroids (inhaled corticosteroids) for managing asthma. The two medications work in different ways, and discontinuing montelukast while continuing steroids may not provide optimal asthma control. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the use of both medications.
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