A nurse is caring for a client on the medical surgical unit.
Click to highlight the findings at 1630 that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
|
Body System |
Findings |
|
Cardiovascular |
S1, S2, no murmur, bradycardia |
|
Respiratory |
decreased respiratory effort, equal chest expansion, bilateral crackles |
|
Neurologic |
somnolent |
|
Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat (HEENT) |
oropharynx clear, mucous membranes moist, pinpoint pupils |
|
Vital Signs |
Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F) Heart rate 58/min Respiratory rate 10/min Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg |
S1, S2, no murmur, bradycardia
decreased respiratory effort
equal chest expansion, bilateral crackles
somnolent
oropharynx clear,
mucous membranes moist
pinpoint pupils
Respiratory rate 10/min
Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg
Heart rate 58/min
The Correct Answer is ["B","D","G","H","I"]
- Decreased respiratory effort, bilateral crackles: Reduced respiratory effort following opioid administration suggests opioid-induced respiratory depression. Crackles may indicate early airway compromise due to poor ventilation or fluid accumulation, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing.
- Somnolent: Somnolence beyond expected postoperative drowsiness, especially in combination with other signs of opioid overdose, indicates central nervous system depression. The client is difficult to arouse, raising concern for airway and breathing compromise.
- Pinpoint pupils: Pinpoint pupils are a hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. In the setting of recent morphine administration and accompanying respiratory depression, this finding confirms that opioid overdose is likely occurring and must be treated promptly.
- Respiratory rate 10/min: A respiratory rate under 12 breaths per minute following opioid administration is a major red flag for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Immediate action is needed to prevent further decline in respiratory status, including potential use of naloxone.
- Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure has dropped significantly compared to the earlier reading, suggesting opioid-related hypotension. While not yet critically low, the trend combined with other overdose signs indicates instability needing close monitoring and intervention.
- Heart rate 58/min: Although the client is bradycardic, this alone is not the most urgent issue compared to respiratory depression and neurological decline. It should still be monitored closely, but it is less immediately life-threatening than the airway and breathing concerns.
- Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F): This temperature is within normal range and does not require follow-up. There are no indications of infection or thermoregulatory issues based on the current temperature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
- Lung assessment: The client's lungs are clear bilaterally with no signs of respiratory distress or abnormal breath sounds. There is no indication of pulmonary complications, so no further immediate action is needed regarding the lung assessment.
- Vertigo: Vertigo is a common complication following a stapedectomy due to disturbance of the inner ear structures. However, it still requires monitoring because severe or worsening vertigo can increase the risk of falls and indicate inner ear trauma or dysfunction.
- Facial nerve assessment: The presence of left facial droop and asymmetrical smile indicates possible injury to the facial nerve during surgery. This finding is abnormal and requires immediate provider notification for further neurological evaluation and management.
- Pain rating: A pain rating of 5 out of 10 is moderate and, following ear surgery, it should be addressed. Proper pain control is important not only for comfort but also to reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure from straining or agitation.
- Diminished hearing: Some decrease in hearing can occur temporarily after a stapedectomy due to packing or swelling, but it still needs further monitoring. Persistent or worsening hearing loss could suggest a surgical complication, such as prosthesis dislocation.
- Pupils: The pupils are equal, smaller postoperatively but still reactive to light, which is expected following anesthesia and is not concerning. No immediate intervention is necessary based on pupil assessment findings.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Amyloid plaque: Amyloid plaque buildup is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, a chronic, progressive form of dementia. While dementia can increase the overall risk for delirium, amyloid plaques themselves are not an immediate trigger for acute confusion like delirium.
B. Urinary tract infection: Urinary tract infections are a common reversible cause of delirium, especially in older adults. Infections can trigger a systemic inflammatory response and disrupt normal brain function, leading to sudden-onset confusion, disorientation, and restlessness due to systemic inflammation and changes in metabolic balance.
C. High cholesterol: High cholesterol contributes to long-term cardiovascular risks, such as atherosclerosis and stroke, but it is not directly linked to the sudden cognitive changes seen in delirium. It does not cause the acute neurological dysfunction characteristic of delirium.
D. Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, may reflect underlying sleep disorders or other chronic conditions, but it is not recognized as a common direct cause of delirium. Acute changes in mental status are more often tied to factors like infection, medications, or metabolic disturbances.
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