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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is not the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidic), low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, and a compensatory decrease in the PaCO2. In the provided ABG results, the pH is elevated, and both the PaCO2 and HCO3 levels are within normal ranges.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is also not the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an elevation in PaCO2 due to inadequate ventilation, leading to an acidic pH. In the provided ABG results, the pH is elevated, and the PaCO2 level is within normal range.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH, elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, and a compensatory increase in PaCO2. In this case, the pH is higher than the normal range, the HCO3 level is elevated, and the PaCO2 is also slightly increased as the body attempts to compensate.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is not the correct answer based on the provided ABG results. Respiratory alkalosis is marked by an elevated pH and a decrease in PaCO2 due to excessive ventilation. In the given ABG results, the pH is elevated, but the PaCO2 is not decreased; it's within the normal range.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate is not appropriate when the client has a high fever of 40°C (104°F). Ambulation requires physical exertion and can potentially worsen the client's condition, especially when they are already experiencing discomfort due to the fever.
Choice B rationale:
Giving the client a cold sponge bath might seem like a logical approach to reduce fever; however, it is not the most effective and safest method. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, potentially increasing the body's metabolic demands and raising the temperature further. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can be uncomfortable and may not provide sustained fever reduction.
Choice C rationale:
Administering antipyretics as prescribed is the correct choice. Antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, work to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the body's temperature-regulating center. By reducing fever, the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption are decreased, which can help prevent complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration and discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Providing a cooling fan can offer some comfort, but it might not be sufficient to effectively lower the client's high fever. Fans primarily work by promoting evaporative cooling, which may not be efficient when the body temperature is significantly elevated. Additionally, relying solely on a cooling fan might delay the necessary intervention of administering antipyretic medication.
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