A nurse is reviewing the client's electronic medical record.
Which of the following findings require follow up? Select all that apply.
Blood pressure
Temperature
Potassium level
WBC count
Breath sounds
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Blood pressure – The client's blood pressure of 114/56 mm Hg is within an acceptable range and does not indicate hypotension or hypertension.
B. Temperature – A temperature of 38.6°C (101.5°F) is indicative of fever, which is concerning in a client undergoing chemotherapy due to their increased risk of infection (febrile neutropenia). Prompt evaluation and intervention are necessary to prevent sepsis.
C. Potassium level – The client's potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5 to 5 mEq/L) and does not require immediate intervention.
D. WBC count – The client's WBC count has decreased to 3,800/mm³, which is below the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³), indicating leukopenia. This places the client at a higher risk for infection, requiring close monitoring and potential interventions.
E. Breath sounds – The presence of crackles at the lung bases suggests possible pulmonary complications, such as fluid overload, infection (e.g., pneumonia), or early signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This finding warrants further assessment and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections: The first step in addressing an increase in infections is to determine the underlying causes, which guides appropriate interventions.
B. Revise the current policy for catheter care: Incorrect. Revising policies may be necessary, but it should occur after identifying contributing factors.
C. Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections: Incorrect. While collaboration is important, it is not the first step.
D. Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures: Incorrect. Staff training is essential but should follow identification of the factors contributing to the infections.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F","G","H"]
Explanation
Frequent episodes of apnea, responds to tactile stimuli: Apnea in a neonate, especially one born preterm (at 34 weeks gestation), is not uncommon but should be carefully monitored. However, frequent apnea episodes may indicate an underlying respiratory issue, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or an infection. Apnea that requires tactile stimuli to resolve should be followed up with further assessment and possibly intervention.
Substernal retractions and nasal flaring: These are signs of respiratory distress. Substernal retractions and nasal flaring indicate the neonate is working harder to breathe, which may point to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or other respiratory compromise. Close monitoring and follow-up are necessary to assess the neonate's respiratory status and oxygenation.
Respiratory rate of 70/min: This is on the higher end for a neonate and may indicate respiratory distress or compensation for oxygenation issues. Close monitoring is required.
Temperature of 36.3 °C (97.3 °F): While this temperature is within the normal range for a neonate, it is on the lower end of the spectrum. Neonates, especially preterm ones, are at risk for hypothermia. The neonate is on a radiant warmer, which suggests that there may still be concerns regarding temperature regulation. This needs to be monitored closely to ensure proper thermal regulation.
Increased abdominal circumference by 1 cm (0.4 in): An increase in abdominal circumference can be a sign of feeding intolerance, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or other gastrointestinal issues. It is important to continue monitoring for other signs of NEC or abdominal distension, which can indicate the need for intervention.
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