A nurse is receiving report on a group of clients. Using the ABCDE priority framework which f the following clients should the nurse see first?

A client who has early dementia and awoke confused to their location this morning

A client who is scheduled for discharge and has a 38.4 C (101.1 F) temperature this morning

A client who has pneumonia and has developed wheezing

A client who is postoperative and has a urine output of 50 mL for the past 3 h

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) A client who has early dementia and awoke confused to their location this morning:
Confusion in a client with early dementia could indicate a range of possible causes, such as infections, medication side effects, or changes in routine. However, while this warrants investigation, confusion alone does not represent an immediate life-threatening situation according to the ABCDE priority framework. The focus is on managing airway, breathing, circulation, and disability issues first.

B) A client who is scheduled for discharge and has a 38.4°C (101.1°F) temperature this morning:
A fever may indicate infection, which would require further assessment and potentially treatment. While this is a concern, it does not immediately threaten the client's airway, breathing, or circulation. Since the client is not in an acute crisis and is scheduled for discharge, this would be a lower priority compared to clients with more urgent issues like breathing problems or insufficient urine output.

C) A client who has pneumonia and has developed wheezing:
Wheezing indicates potential airway constriction, which could impair the client's breathing. Given that breathing difficulties are a primary concern in the ABCDE priority framework (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure), this client requires immediate attention. Pneumonia combined with wheezing can signify a worsening respiratory condition, which poses an acute risk to the client's oxygenation and overall stability.

D) A client who is postoperative and has a urine output of 50 mL for the past 3 hours:
Oliguria (low urine output) postoperatively is concerning, as it may indicate kidney dysfunction, hypovolemia, or other complications. While it is an important issue that requires attention, it is not immediately life-threatening unless the client shows signs of worsening shock or kidney failure. However, given that this issue does not immediately affect the client’s airway or breathing, it is a lower priority than the client with pneumonia and wheezing.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Diaphoresis:
While diaphoresis (excessive sweating) may occur with some cardiac or respiratory conditions, it is not a primary or expected sign of circulatory overload. Circulatory overload generally involves fluid accumulation in the body, and symptoms are more likely related to fluid retention and increased workload on the heart rather than sweating.

B) Weight loss:
Weight loss is not typically associated with circulatory overload. In fact, one of the hallmark signs of circulatory overload is weight gain due to fluid retention. The body retains excess fluid in the vascular system, leading to an increase in weight rather than weight loss.

C) Hypotension:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is generally not associated with circulatory overload. Circulatory overload typically results in elevated blood pressure due to the increased volume of circulating fluid. In some cases, if the heart is unable to handle the increased volume, symptoms like pulmonary edema or shortness of breath can occur, but hypotension is more commonly seen in conditions like shock or severe fluid loss.

D) Tachycardia:
Tachycardia (an elevated heart rate) is a common finding in circulatory overload. When there is an excess of fluid in the body, the heart has to work harder to pump the additional volume of blood, leading to an increased heart rate. This is a compensatory response to the increased workload on the heart. It is also a sign that the body is attempting to maintain adequate tissue perfusion despite the excess fluid volume.

A. Dehydration B. Rigid abdomen C. Hypothermia D. Decreased bowel sounds

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Dehydration:
Diarrhea, especially when prolonged for several days, leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, which can result in dehydration. Common signs of dehydration include dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, low urine output, hypotension, and increased heart rate. Dehydration is one of the most expected findings in a patient with prolonged diarrhea due to the loss of water and electrolytes from the body.
B) Rigid abdomen:
A rigid abdomen could indicate peritonitis or a serious abdominal condition such as bowel perforation, which is a medical emergency. This would not be expected in a patient with uncomplicated diarrhea. Rigid abdominal muscles are typically associated with acute abdominal emergencies rather than simple diarrhea.
C) Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is generally not associated with diarrhea. Diarrhea is more likely to cause fever or a normal body temperature due to the body's inflammatory response to infection or irritation. Hypothermia typically occurs in cases of prolonged exposure to cold or in critically ill patients, but it is not a typical response to diarrhea alone.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
While decreased or absent bowel sounds can be seen in bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus, it is not typically a finding associated with diarrhea. In fact, in the early stages of diarrhea, increased bowel sounds (hyperactive bowel sounds) are often noted due to the rapid peristalsis and gastrointestinal irritation.

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A nurse is receiving report on a group of clients. Using the ABCDE priority framework which f the following clients should the nurse see first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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