A nurse working in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit)/recovery room unit is monitoring a patient whose vital signs were stable upon arrival from the operating room. The patient’s temperature began to rise steadily the past 20 minutes and continues to rise, the heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia with a rate of 122, the patient’s blood pressure is 86/42, and pulse ox is 88% on 2 L O2 via nasal cannula.
The nurse suspects which genetic condition?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Malignant hypothermia.
Thalassemia.
Malignant hyperthermia.
The Correct Answer is D
Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia that can cause muscle rigidity, fever, and a fast heart rate. It can be fatal if not treated promptly with medication, oxygen, body cooling, and supportive care. The patient’s symptoms match those of malignant hyperthermia.
Choice A is wrong because alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and jaundice.
It does not cause a rise in body temperature or muscle rigidity. Choice B is wrong because malignant hypothermia does not exist. It is a misspelling of malignant hyperthermia.
Choice C is wrong because thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, causing anemia, fatigue, and bone deformities.
It does not cause a rise in body temperature or muscle rigidity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the fight-or-flight response activates the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the pupils to dilate to allow more light and improve vision.
Choice A is wrong because the fight-or-flight response increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate.
Choice B is wrong because the fight-or-flight response causes bronchial airway dilation to allow more oxygen intake and facilitate breathing.
Choice C is wrong because the fight-or-flight response causes hyperglycemia by stimulating the release of glucose from the liver and muscles to provide energy.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for blood glucose are 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL, and for pupil size are 2 mm to 6 mm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Splenomegaly and jaundice are signs of hemolytic anemia, a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made.
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen, which may trap and destroy healthy red blood cells. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a waste product of hemoglobin breakdown. Choice A is wrong because red, sore tongue is a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, not hemolytic anemia.
Choice B is wrong because pica is a craving for nonfood items, such as ice, dirt, or starch. It is a sign of iron deficiency anemia, not hemolytic anemia. Choice D is wrong because paresthesias are sensations of tingling, numbness, or prickling in the hands or feet. They are a sign of pernicious anemia, a type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, not hemolytic anemia.
Normal ranges for red blood cell count are 4.5 to 5.9 million cells per microliter for men and 4.1 to 5.1 million cells per microliter for women. Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter for men and 12.0 to 15.5 gramsper deciliter for women. Normal ranges for bilirubin are 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter for adults.
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