A nurse on a telemetry unit receives change-of-shift report on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A client with myasthenia gravis who has bilateral ptosis and a positive edrophonium (Tensilon) test.
A client with Bell's palsy who has an order for prednisone and acyclovir.
A client with Parkinson's disease who has hypokinetic dysarthria and a lack of facial expressions.
A client with multiple sclerosis who has bladder flaccidity and is retaining urine.
The Correct Answer is A
A. A client with myasthenia gravis who has bilateral ptosis and a positive edrophonium test is likely experiencing a myasthenic crisis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. This client would be the priority because they may require rapid intervention to maintain airway and breathing.
B. Bell's palsy is characterized by sudden onset of facial paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve. While Bell's palsy can be distressing for the client, it does not typically require urgent intervention unless there are complications such as corneal abrasion due to inability to close the eye.
C. Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. While this client requires ongoing assessment and care, the symptoms described do not typically indicate an acute or urgent need for intervention.
D. A client with multiple sclerosis who has bladder flaccidity and is retaining urine needs assessment and intervention to prevent complications such as urinary tract infections or renal damage. However, this is not as immediately life-threatening as a myasthenic crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypernatremia can indicate dehydration or other electrolyte imbalances. Furosemide can further affect electrolyte balance, especially sodium and potassium. However, this sodium level is only slightly elevated and may not necessarily require immediate action regarding furosemide administration.
B. Furosemide is a diuretic that can further decrease blood pressure due to its effects on fluid volume reduction. Administering it to a patient with already low blood pressure could potentially lead to significant hypotension and compromise perfusion to vital organs.
C. While incontinence itself may not directly contraindicate furosemide administration, it could indicate underlying issues such as bladder dysfunction or fluid overload that need further evaluation. This finding alone would not necessarily require holding the medication, but it warrants further assessment and consideration in the clinical context.
D. Normal serum potassium levels typically range from 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. A level of 5.3 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia (elevated potassium). While this potassium level is mildly elevated, it would not be a reason on its own to hold furosemide. Monitoring potassium levels closely and potentially adjusting potassium
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes, caused by bleeding under the skin. While petechiae can indicate bleeding, they are not specific to HIT and can occur due to various reasons, including low platelet count or coagulation disorders. They do not necessarily indicate thrombotic complications associated with HIT.
B. This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for adults and does not directly correlate with HIT. However, it is important to monitor hemoglobin levels in patients with HIT due to the risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
C. Bleeding gums can occur due to various reasons, including gum disease or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). In HIT, the concern is not just bleeding but also the paradoxical risk of thrombosis despite low platelet counts. Bleeding from mucosal surfaces can indicate underlying thrombocytopenia but does not specifically highlight the thrombotic risk of HIT.
D. This symptom is concerning for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a thrombotic complication associated with HIT. HIT predisposes patients to thrombosis due to the formation of antibodies against
platelet factor 4/heparin complexes, leading to platelet activation and clot formation. DVT is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE).
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