A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?
A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea.
A client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.8%.
A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities.
A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring.
The Correct Answer is A
This client has a high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Tachypnea is a sign of respiratory distress and hypoxia, which can indicate a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should assess this client first and notify the provider.
Choice B is wrong because a client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.8% is well- controlled and does not need urgent attention.
The normal range for HbA1c is 4% to 6%, and the goal for diabetic clients is less than 7%.
Choice C is wrong because a client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities is expected to have some degree of motor impairment due to the medication.
The nurse should monitor the client’s sensation, movement, and pain level, but this is not a priority over choice A.
Choice D is wrong because a client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring is not in immediate danger.
Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation of heart rhythm that occurs with breathing.
The nurse should observe the client’s vital signs and cardiac rhythm, but this is not a priority over choice A.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside a blood vessel that can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. It can indicate bleeding from the artery where the catheter was inserted, which can be a serious complication of cardiac catheterization.
The nurse should notify the provider immediately if a hematoma is observed.
Choice A is wrong because a heart rate of 90/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a complication.
Choice C is wrong because bounding pulses in the affected extremity are expected after cardiac catheterization, as they indicate good blood flow to the area.
Choice D is wrong because the report of discomfort at the insertion site is common and usually mild after cardiac catheterization.
The nurse can provide pain relief as needed but does not need to notify the provider unless the pain is severe or persistent.
Normal ranges for heart rate are 60-100 beats per minute for adults. Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic pressure and 80 mmHg or lower for diastolic pressure. Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95-100% for adults.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Document the client’s behavior prior to being placed in seclusion.
Choice A rationale:
Discussing with the client his inappropriate behavior prior to seclusion is important, but it’s not the most appropriate action. The priority is to ensure the safety of the client and others, which can be achieved by documenting the client’s behavior prior to seclusion.
Choice B rationale:
Offering fluids every 2 hours is a good practice to keep the client hydrated, especially if they are agitated or physically active. However, this is not the most appropriate action in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Documenting the client’s behavior prior to being placed in seclusion is the most appropriate action. This documentation is crucial for legal and ethical reasons, and it helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing the client’s behavior once every hour is important to monitor the client’s condition and response to seclusion. However, this is not the most appropriate action in this context.
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