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 {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
• Apply cooling blanket: The client has an elevated temperature (38.3°C/100.9°F), which could suggest early signs of thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication after thyroid surgery. Applying a cooling blanket is an appropriate non-pharmacological intervention to help manage hyperthermia without medications that could worsen symptoms.
• Monitor vital signs every 4 hours: Frequent monitoring of vital signs is critical after thyroidectomy to detect early signs of complications such as thyroid storm, hemorrhage, or airway compromise. Vital sign changes can provide early warning signs of clinical deterioration and allow for rapid intervention.
• Place client on telemetry: Thyroid storm and other thyroid-related crises can cause arrhythmias, including tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Continuous cardiac monitoring is anticipated to quickly detect and manage any rhythm disturbances that may arise postoperatively.
• Palpate thyroid area to assess for hematoma: After a thyroidectomy, it is essential to assess for hematoma formation, as hematomas can compress the airway and become life-threatening. Regular palpation of the surgical site helps detect swelling, firmness, or respiratory distress early.
• Administer aspirin for fever: Aspirin is not recommended for fever management in postoperative thyroidectomy clients because it can displace thyroid hormones from binding proteins, potentially worsening thyrotoxicosis. Fever should be managed with other antipyretics like acetaminophen or physical cooling methods instead.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The restraint is attached to the side rails of the bed: Restraints should never be attached to the side rails because moving the rails could cause injury to the client. Restraints must be secured to a stationary part of the bed frame to prevent tightening, which could lead to impaired circulation or nerve damage if the bed position changes.
B. The restraint strap is tied into a knot: Tying the restraint strap into a knot is unsafe because knots are difficult to untie quickly in an emergency. Quick-release ties or slipknots are recommended to ensure the client can be released rapidly if needed, reducing the risk of injury or complications from prolonged restraint.
C. The nurse can insert two fingers under the restraint: Being able to insert two fingers under the restraint indicates that it is properly applied—not too tight to impair circulation, and not too loose to be ineffective. This ensures client safety by allowing adequate blood flow and reducing the risk of skin breakdown or nerve injury.
D. The skin under the restraint is cool and has changed color: Coolness and discoloration under a restraint are signs of impaired circulation and require immediate intervention. These findings are abnormal and suggest that the restraint is too tight, potentially leading to tissue ischemia, nerve damage, or pressure injuries if not promptly addressed.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
