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A nurse is caring for a 44-year-old client who was admitted with an elevated temperature and abdominal pain.
Exhibits

Select the top 4 client findings that requires immediate follow up.

Potassium 7.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)

WBC count 17,000/mm3 (Normal Finding: 5,000 to 10,000/mm3)

Crackles throughout lungs

Creatinine 3.0 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.3 mg/dL)

Abdomen rigid with decreased bowel sounds

Glucose 250 mg/dL

No dialysis for 24 hr

Hemoglobin 10 g/dL (12 to 18 g/dL) Nausea

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C,H

A. Potassium 7.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L): Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and are especially concerning in clients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk of renal complications. Immediate follow-up is crucial to prevent severe cardiac effects.

B. WBC count 17,000/mm³ (Normal Finding: 5,000 to 10,000/mm³): An elevated WBC count indicates an infection or inflammation, which is concerning given the client’s symptoms and temperature. This finding requires immediate follow-up to address potential infection.

C. Crackles throughout lungs: Crackles may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary edema, particularly in clients with chronic kidney disease. This could be a sign of worsening renal function or heart failure, which requires prompt attention.

H. No dialysis for 24 hr: Missing dialysis sessions in a client with stage IV chronic kidney disease can lead to dangerous fluid and electrolyte imbalances. This finding requires immediate action to prevent complications related to renal failure.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

E. Creatinine 3.0 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.3 mg/dL): While elevated creatinine levels are concerning, the client’s history of chronic kidney disease means this level is expected to be higher. However, it is not as immediately critical as the other findings.

F. Abdomen rigid with decreased bowel sounds: This may suggest abdominal complications but is not as immediately critical as issues related to hyperkalemia or infection.

G. Glucose 250 mg/dL: Elevated glucose levels are concerning but less immediately critical compared to severe electrolyte imbalances and potential infections.

H. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL (12 to 18 g/dL): Anemia is a concern but is not as urgent as the immediate risks posed by elevated potassium, signs of infection, or missed dialysis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A decrease in heart rate can indicate adequate fluid resuscitation as it suggests improved circulatory status and reduced compensatory tachycardia, which is a response to hypovolemia.
B. An increase, rather than a decrease, in blood pressure would typically indicate improved fluid status and perfusion following adequate fluid resuscitation.
C. Weight changes are not an immediate indicator of fluid resuscitation adequacy. Weight reflects overall fluid balance over a longer period.
D. An increase, not a decrease, in urine output is expected with adequate fluid resuscitation, as improved renal perfusion results in better urine production.

A. Discontinue the existing IV line. B. Initiate a new IV line in the other extremity. C. Apply a hot pack to the irritated site. D. Determine if the client needs to continue IV therapy.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The first action should be to discontinue the existing IV line to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of complications, such as phlebitis or infiltration.
B. Initiating a new IV line is necessary, but it should be done after addressing the issue with the current IV site.
C. Applying a hot pack might help with comfort, but addressing the cause of the irritation (discontinuing the IV) is more critical first.
D. Determining if the client needs to continue IV therapy is important but should follow the immediate step of addressing the current IV site issue.

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A nurse is caring for a 44-year-old client who was admitted with an elevated temperature and abdominal pain. Exhibits Select the top 4 client findings that requires immediate follow up.

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A nurse is caring for a 44-year-old client who was admitted with an elevated temperature and abdominal pain.
Exhibits

Select the top 4 client findings that requires immediate follow up.