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A nurse is caring for a 40-year-old male client in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) following abdominal surgery.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the list of options provided.

The nurse should first address the client’s:

followed by

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

The nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature followed by administering fluids.

So, the complete sentence would be: The nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature followed by administering fluids.

Certainly! Let’s break down the situation and the rationale behind the priorities:

Elevated Temperature

The client’s temperature spiked significantly from 36.7°C (98.1°F) to 40.2°C (104.4°F) within a short period. This rapid increase is concerning for several reasons:

  1. Risk of Hyperthermia: A temperature of 40.2°C is dangerously high and can lead to hyperthermia, which can cause damage to body tissues and organs if not promptly addressed.
  2. Signs of Infection or Sepsis: Such a high fever could indicate a postoperative infection or sepsis, both of which require immediate attention.
  3. Physiological Stress: Elevated temperatures increase metabolic demands, which can exacerbate other symptoms like tachycardia (high heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Administering Fluids

After addressing the elevated temperature, the next priority is to administer fluids. Here’s why:

  1. Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): The client’s blood pressure dropped from 110/75 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. This hypotension could be due to several factors, including dehydration, fever, or a systemic inflammatory response.
  2. Tachycardia (High Heart Rate): The client’s heart rate increased from 65/min to 125/min. This could be a compensatory mechanism for the low blood pressure or a response to the fever. Administering fluids can help stabilize the blood pressure and reduce the heart rate.
  3. Preventing Shock: Ensuring adequate fluid volume is crucial to prevent hypovolemic shock, which can occur if the body loses too much fluid or blood.

Immediate Actions Taken

The nurse already administered acetaminophen and applied ice packs to help reduce the fever, which are appropriate initial steps. However, continuous monitoring and additional interventions, such as fluid administration, are necessary to stabilize the client’s condition.

Summary

In summary, the nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature to prevent potential complications from hyperthermia and then administer fluids to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate. This approach prioritizes the most immediate threats to the client’s health and ensures a comprehensive response to the symptoms presented.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Methimazole does not typically cause constipation. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones.
Choice B rationale
A sore throat can be a sign of agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of methimazole that involves a dangerously low white blood cell count. Patients are advised to contact their provider if they experience a sore throat.
Choice C rationale
While monitoring weight is important for patients with hyperthyroidism, it is not a specific instruction related to methimazole use.
Choice D rationale
Methimazole should be taken regularly as prescribed, not on an as-needed basis.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used primarily to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) and treat cerebral edema. It does not affect thyroxine levels, which are related to thyroid function. Thyroxine levels are regulated by the thyroid gland and are not influenced by mannitol administration.
Choice B rationale
Mannitol is not used to correct atrial flutter. Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia that requires specific antiarrhythmic medications or procedures such as cardioversion. Mannitol’s primary action is to increase osmotic pressure in the kidneys, leading to diuresis and reduction of fluid in tissues, including the brain.
Choice C rationale
Mannitol is effective in reducing intracranial pressure by creating an osmotic gradient that draws fluid from the brain tissue into the bloodstream, which is then excreted by the kidneys. This reduction in intracranial pressure is a desired therapeutic outcome when treating conditions like cerebral edema.
Choice D rationale
Mannitol does not increase hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels are influenced by factors such as red blood cell production and destruction, iron levels, and overall health status. Mannitol’s mechanism of action is related to fluid balance and diuresis, not hematopoiesis.

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