A nurse is assisting with the care of a client.
A nurse is reviewing the client's electronic medical record. Which of the following findings on day 7 require further action? Select all that apply.
Weight
Potassium
Pedal pulses
Temperature
Orientation
Chest x-ray
Urine output
Correct Answer : A,C,F,G
- Weight: The client has gained over 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) within a week, suggesting fluid retention. In combination with crackles, edema, and cardiomegaly, this weight gain indicates worsening heart failure and requires prompt intervention to manage fluid overload.
- Potassium: A potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower limit of normal. While it should be monitored, it does not independently demand immediate action unless it trends lower or the client shows symptoms of hypokalemia.
- Pedal pulses: Pedal pulses have decreased from 2+ to 1+, and the extremities are now cool. These changes suggest compromised peripheral circulation, likely related to decreased cardiac output, and warrant further assessment and management.
- Temperature: The client’s temperature is within the normal range. There are no signs of fever or hypothermia, so this finding does not require immediate action based on the current clinical data.
- Orientation: The client remains alert and oriented, with no noted decline in mental status. Therefore, orientation findings are stable and do not necessitate further immediate intervention.
- Chest x-ray: The presence of cardiomegaly on chest x-ray suggests worsening heart failure or fluid overload. This finding is significant and requires timely medical evaluation and management to prevent further cardiac decompensation.
- Urine output: The client’s urine output has drastically decreased from 520 mL/hr to 160 mL in 8 hours, indicating impaired renal perfusion or acute kidney injury. This is a critical finding and requires immediate provider notification and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A toddler who has periorbital cellulitis and has an axillary temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F): A mild temperature in the context of periorbital cellulitis is expected and not an immediate emergency. Although periorbital cellulitis can be serious, this temperature alone does not demand immediate action over other critical symptoms.
B. An adolescent who has influenza and reports a headache of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: A headache with influenza is common and requires monitoring, but unless there are signs of severe neurological involvement, it is not the highest priority compared to potential circulatory compromise.
C. An infant who had a pyloromyotomy 12 hr ago and spit up after the last feeding: Mild vomiting or spitting up is common following a pyloromyotomy and is not unusual within the first 24 hours postoperatively. It generally does not require immediate intervention unless persistent or worsening.
D. A child who had a cast placed 4 hr ago and reports numbness in the affected extremity: Numbness may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, a sign of possible compartment syndrome. This is a surgical emergency that can result in permanent damage if not promptly assessed and treated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased senses: PCA pump use, typically involving opioids, does not heighten the senses. Instead, opioids often dull sensory perception and can cause sedation rather than making sensations sharper or more intense.
B. Decreased sleep: Opioids used in PCA pumps often promote drowsiness and sleep rather than reducing it. Sleep disturbances are not a common direct effect of properly managed PCA analgesia unless pain remains uncontrolled.
C. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing is not a usual side effect associated with PCA use. If it occurs, it would likely suggest another issue, such as a neurological problem, rather than a typical reaction to PCA-administered opioids.
D. Urinary frequency: Opioids can affect the bladder by either causing urinary retention or, less commonly, altering normal patterns. Clients receiving adequate hydration and pain management might experience urinary frequency, especially as mobility increases postoperatively.
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