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 A
Explanation
A change in pupil size can indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, which can lead to a life-threatening situation. The nurse should immediately report this finding to the provider.
Choice B is incorrect because difficulty speaking is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice C is incorrect because inability to follow direction is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice D is incorrect because right-sided weakness is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice B: Difficulty speaking is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice C: Inability to follow direction is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice D: Right-sided weakness is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Washing hands after leaving the room is an important infection control measure for individuals who come into contact with clients on contact precautions. Choice B is incorrect because gowns are only necessary when there is a risk of contact with the client's body fluids. Choice C is incorrect because gloves should not be reused. Choice D is incorrect because the client should not leave the room while on contact precautions. Choice B is not correct because gowns are only necessary when there is a risk of contact with the client's body fluids. Choice C is not correct because gloves should not be reused. Choice D is not correct because the client should not leave the room while on contact precautions.
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