A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has just returned from PACU after receiving a spinal anesthetic during knee surgery. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

Systolic blood pressure changed from 140 mm Hg to 120 mm Hg

Temperature changed from 37.2° C (99.0° F) to 37.5° C (99.5° F)

Pulse oximetry changed from 98% to 96%

Client reports knee pain, changed from 4/10 to 6/10

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   A decrease in systolic blood pressure from 140 mm Hg to 120 mm Hg could indicate hypotension. Postoperatively, especially after receiving a spinal anesthetic, hypotension can occur due to vasodilation or decreased sympathetic tone. This change in blood pressure warrants notification of the provider because significant hypotension can lead to inadequate perfusion to vital organs and tissues.
B.   A slight increase in temperature from 37.2°C to 37.5°C (99.0°F to 99.5°F) is a mild elevation and may not necessarily require immediate notification unless accompanied by other signs of infection or instability. It could be related to the stress response post-surgery. However, if there are other concerning signs (e.g., increased heart rate, worsening pain), the nurse should reassess and consider further action.

C.   A decrease in pulse oximetry from 98% to 96% indicates a mild decrease in oxygen saturation. While this change alone may not be alarming, the nurse should assess the client's respiratory status and potential causes (e.g., positioning, respiratory depression from anesthesia). Oxygen saturation levels below 95% generally require intervention, but 96% is still within a normal range for most clients.
D.   An increase in pain from 4/10 to 6/10 indicates worsening pain. Postoperatively, increasing pain may indicate inadequate pain management, worsening condition at the surgical site, or other complications such as hematoma or infection.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. This information highlights the importance of improving hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers. Low compliance rates indicate a need for education, reminders, and possibly changes in the healthcare facility's policies and procedures to encourage better adherence to hand hygiene protocols.
B. Hand hygiene is indeed one of the most critical measures to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene (either washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs) helps reduce the spread of pathogens from person to person, from surfaces to patients, and vice versa.
C. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (gels, foams, or rubs) are effective and convenient for hand hygiene in healthcare settings. They are recommended by healthcare authorities like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) as they quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands when soap and water are not readily available or practical.
D. This statistic underscores the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the importance of preventive measures such as hand hygiene. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in reducing HAIs through proper hand hygiene practices.
E. Educating clients about hand hygiene is essential for infection prevention, especially in settings where clients can actively participate in their own care (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities). Clients should be encouraged to practice hand hygiene, particularly after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching surfaces that may harbor pathogens.

A. hoarseness. B. dysphagia. C. weight loss. D. dyspnea.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Hoarseness or changes in voice quality is one of the hallmark symptoms of laryngeal cancer. It occurs due to the tumor affecting the vocal cords or surrounding structures. Hoarseness is often persistent and does not resolve with voice rest or usual treatments for laryngitis.
B. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can occur in laryngeal cancer, especially if the tumor affects the structures involved in swallowing. However, dysphagia typically occurs later in the course of the disease as the tumor grows and obstructs the passage of food or liquids.
C. Weight loss can be a symptom of advanced laryngeal cancer but is less commonly reported as an early manifestation. Significant weight loss may occur as a result of difficulty eating due to dysphagia or as a generalized effect of cancer on the body.
D. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is not typically an early manifestation of laryngeal cancer unless the tumor is large and obstructs the airway. It is more commonly associated with advanced disease or tumors that have spread to nearby structures.

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A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has just returned from PACU after receiving a spinal anesthetic during knee surgery. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

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