A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A client who has dehydration with a urine output of 40 mL/hr.
A client who has cancer and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10.
A client who has asthma and a respiratory rate of 40/min.
A client who has diabetes mellitus and a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dehydration is a serious condition, and a urine output of 40 mL/hr is indicative of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. However, this situation does not require immediate intervention compared to other choices.
Choice B rationale:
Pain management is important, and a pain score of 4 out of 10 indicates mild to moderate pain. While addressing pain is essential for the client's comfort, it is not an immediate priority compared to the situation presented in another choice.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) A respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute in a client with asthma indicates severe respiratory distress. This client is at risk of respiratory failure and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
A fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL in a client with diabetes mellitus is within a normal range and does not require immediate attention when compared to the urgent situation in another choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased sensitivity to touch is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience decreased sensitivity to touch due to changes in nerve endings and decreased skin elasticity. This can lead to decreased sensation rather than increased sensitivity.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased peripheral circulation is an expected physiological change associated with aging. With age, blood vessels can become less elastic and more narrow, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This can result in cold extremities, delayed wound healing, and increased vulnerability to skin breakdown. Nurses should assess for signs of impaired circulation in older adult clients and provide appropriate interventions to prevent complications.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased airway resistance is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience increased airway resistance due to changes in lung elasticity and chest wall compliance. This can lead to decreased lung function and a higher risk of respiratory issues such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Choice D rationale:
Increased appetite is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. In fact, many older adults experience a decrease in appetite due to factors such as changes in metabolism, decreased sense of taste and smell, and underlying health conditions. This reduced appetite can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss in the elderly population.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Metabolic acidosis would present with a pH below 7.35 and a low HCO3 level. This client's pH is elevated at 7.47, which indicates an alkalotic state rather than an acidic one.
Choice B rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a pH below 7.35 and a PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg. This client's results show the opposite: a high pH and a low PaCO2 level.
Choice C rationale: Metabolic alkalosis requires an elevated HCO3 (typically above 26 mEq/L) to be the primary cause of the high pH. Here, the HCO3 is 25 mEq/L, which is within the normal range.
Choice D rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is defined by a pH above 7.45 and a PaCO2 below 35 mm Hg. The client's pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg perfectly fit this clinical diagnosis.
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