A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that require follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Body system	Findings
Neurologic	Client is awake, alert, oriented x3
Cardiovascular	Client reports no palpitations, heart rhythm regular. Right lower extremity +2 edema from ankle to below the knee joint. Skin warm and inflamed: +2 pedal pulses present in bilateral extremities
Musculoskeletal	Client reports no groin pain, has slight limp with weight bearing on the right extremity

 

A. Placing the cap sterile-side up on a clean surface prevents contamination of the inside of the cap and maintains the sterility of the solution. This step is essential before pouring to ensure the solution remains sterile.

B. Holding the bottle in the center of the sterile field risks contaminating the field if solution drips; the bottle should be held above or beside the field, not directly over it.

C. Placing sterile gauze over spilled solution does not restore sterility; contaminated areas must be replaced or discarded.

D. Holding the bottle with the label facing away from the palm helps protect the label, but it does not directly affect the sterility of the solution during pouring.

Rationale for correct choices

• Neurological: Reports that dizziness and palpitations started 2 months ago: Persistent dizziness and palpitations may indicate arrhythmias, decreased cardiac output, or early cardiovascular compromise. Although the client is alert and oriented, these symptoms suggest insufficient cerebral perfusion or possible underlying cardiac pathology that requires further evaluation.

• Cardiovascular: Pedal pulses +1 bilaterally, Pedal edema +1 bilaterally, Capillary refill time 5 seconds for all extremities: Diminished pulses, mild edema, and prolonged capillary refill time indicate potential peripheral arterial insufficiency and early signs of fluid overload or heart failure. These findings suggest impaired circulation and warrant further assessment.

• Respiratory: Fatigue and dyspnea with exertion started 1 week ago: New-onset exertional dyspnea and fatigue may be early indicators of compromised cardiac or pulmonary function. Despite clear lung sounds, these symptoms suggest reduced oxygen delivery or early heart failure. Prompt evaluation is required to prevent progression and to identify reversible causes.

• Vital Signs: Heart rate 105/min, Blood pressure 164/92 mm Hg: Tachycardia and hypertension indicate increased cardiac workload and potential risk for end-organ damage. Persistent elevated BP above 140/90 mm Hg is associated with cardiovascular complications, including left ventricular hypertrophy and renal impairment. Monitoring and further evaluation of cardiac function, lifestyle factors, and medication adherence are necessary.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• Neurological: Alert and oriented to person, place, and time: Being alert and oriented reflects intact cognitive function and does not require immediate further evaluation. While neurological changes may arise secondary to cardiac issues, orientation alone is within normal limits and is not concerning. This finding does not indicate acute pathology.

• Respiratory: Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally: Clear lung sounds suggest no active pulmonary congestion, infection, or obstruction. Although dyspnea is present, the absence of adventitious lung sounds indicates that the respiratory system is not acutely compromised. Further evaluation focuses on cardiac or systemic causes rather than pulmonary pathology.