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
Monitor for at least 150 mL of drainage every hour. The nurse should monitor the chest tube drainage for excessive or sudden increases in order to detect any complications, such as pneumothorax. Clamping the tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not standard practice and can cause complications. Pinning the tubing to the client's bed sheets can cause traction on the chest tube and should be avoided. The chest tube unit should only be replaced when there is a problem with the unit or the seals.
Choice B: Clamping the tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not standard practice and can cause complications.
Choice C: Pinning the tubing to the client's bed sheets can cause traction on the chest tube and should be avoided.
Choice D: The chest tube unit should only be replaced when there is a problem with the unit or the seals.
Correct Answer is B
No explanation
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