A nurse is reviewing vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel on a group of clients. The previous vital signs for each of the clients were obtained 4 hours earlier. Which of the following changes should the nurse identify as the priority finding?
Temperature change from 36.6° C (97.8° F) to 38.8° C (101.9° F).
Respiratory rate change from 12/min to 20/min.
Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg.
Heart rate change from 110/min to 68/min.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C: Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg.
Choice C rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure can indicate various serious conditions, such as shock, hemorrhage, or a severe infection. The nurse should assess the client further and intervene as necessary to prevent complications.
Choice A rationale: The change in temperature may indicate the onset of a fever and requires further assessment, but it is not as immediately concerning as the sudden drop in blood pressure.
Choice B rationale: The change in respiratory rate could be a result of factors like pain, anxiety, or exercise. While it warrants further assessment, it is not as critical as the blood pressure change.
Choice D rationale: The heart rate change may be a response to medications, rest, or other factors. It should be monitored and assessed, but the priority finding is the blood pressure change, which may indicate a more severe underlying issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: D.
Choice A reason: Asking a patient to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 is a common method to assess the intensity of pain, not the quality. Zero indicates no pain, and ten represents the most severe pain imaginable. This scale is quantitative and helps in tracking the effectiveness of pain management over time.
Choice B reason: Inquiring if the pain is the same as it has been is a question that assesses the consistency or changes in the patient’s pain over time. It does not provide information about the quality of the pain but rather its course or any variations in the experience of pain.
Choice C reason: Asking whether the patient has any pain this morning is a question that determines the presence or absence of pain at a particular time. It does not elicit details about the nature or characteristics of the pain, which are essential to understanding its quality.
Choice D reason: Asking “What does your pain feel like?” is a qualitative question that aims to describe the characteristics of the pain, such as aching, stabbing, or burning. This information is crucial for diagnosing the cause of pain and tailoring appropriate treatment strategies. It directly addresses the quality of the pain, which is the focus of the nurse’s inquiry.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today