A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following the administration of general anesthesia.
Select from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Rationale:
A: Obtain the latex free cart is incorrect. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.
B: Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is not the primary condition that the client is experiencing, but a possible secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.
C: Nausea and vomiting is incorrect. Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative symptoms that may or may not be related to malignant hyperthermia.
D: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) itself does not inherently include hypercapnia as a defining characteristic. However, during an episode of malignant hyperthermia, metabolic acidosis can occur due to the increased production of lactic acid and carbon dioxide as byproducts of the hypermetabolic state. This acidosis can potentially lead to respiratory compensation mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate and depth, to attempt to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the body. In some cases, if the compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to adequately remove carbon dioxide, hypercapnia can develop as a secondary complication of malignant hyperthermia.
E: nasogastric (NG) tube is incorrect. An NG tube may be indicated for paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction, but not for malignant hyperthermia.
- F: Malignant hyperthermia is correct. The client's vital signs indicate a possible malignant hypertermia reaction, which is a rare but life-threatening complication of general anesthesia that causes a rapid rise in body temperature, muscle rigidity, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia.
- G: Administer ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication that can help with nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of malignant hyperthermia.
- H: Administer dantrolene is correct. Dantrolene is the antidote for malignant hyperthermia and should be given as soon as possible to stop the metabolic crisis and lower the body temperature.
- I: Latex allergy is incorrect. Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to latex products that can cause urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis. There is no evidence that the client has a latex allergy or that latex exposure triggered the malignant hyperthermia reaction.
- J: Urticaria is incorrect. Urticaria is a skin rash that can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, or other factors. There is no evidence that the client has urticaria or that it is related to malignant hyperthermia.
- K: Muscle rigidity is correct. Muscle rigidity is one of the signs of malignant hyperthermia and should be monitored closely by the nurse.
- L: Bowel sounds is correct. Bowel sounds should be assessed regularly by the nurse to detect any signs of paralytic ileus, which is a potential complication of malignant hyperthermia that causes intestinal obstruction and abdominal distension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Adjust the crutches for comfort as needed. This is incorrect because the crutches should be adjusted to fit the client's height and arm length, and should not be changed without proper guidance.
B. Use a three-point gait. This is correct because this gait allows the client to avoid putting weight on the affected leg and maintain balance and stability.
C. Wear leather-soled shoes. This is incorrect because leather-soled shoes can be slippery and increase the risk of falls and injuries.
D. Advance the affected leg first when walking upstairs. This is incorrect because the client should advance the unaffected leg first when walking upstairs, and the affected leg first when walking downstairs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Contacting the facility chaplain to visit with the client may be helpful for some clients who have spiritual needs or concerns, but it does not address the client's expressed desire to go home. The nurse should respect the client's wishes and preferences and not impose their own beliefs or values on them.
B. Explaining the process of leaving the facility against medical advice may discourage the client from pursuing their goal of going home and imply that they are making a wrong decision. The nurse should not judge or coerce the client, but rather provide them with information and support to make an informed choice.
C. Making a referral for social services is the best action for the nurse to take, as it will help the client access resources and services that can facilitate their discharge planning and home care arrangements. The social worker can also assist with financial, legal, or emotional issues that may arise from the terminal diagnosis.
D. Encouraging the client to continue with inpatient care may go against the client's wishes and values, and may cause them more distress and suffering. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and dignity and support their quality of life goals.
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.