A patient with pancreatic cancer develops ascites, and 2 liters of fluid are removed via paracentesis. What schedule should the nurse follow to monitor the patient’s blood pressure after this procedure?
Every 1 hour for 2 hours.
Every 5 minutes for one hour.
Every 15 minutes for one hour, then every 1 hour for 2 hours.
Every 5 minutes for 30 minutes, then every 4 hours thereafter.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood pressure every 1 hour for 2 hours after paracentesis may not be sufficient. Paracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity (a condition called ascites). This is a common problem in people with certain diseases, including liver and kidney disease. Changes in blood pressure can occur rapidly after this procedure, so more frequent monitoring is needed immediately after the procedure.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood pressure every 5 minutes for one hour after paracentesis may be too frequent and could cause unnecessary stress for the patient. It is important to balance the need for monitoring with the patient’s comfort and well-being.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood pressure every 15 minutes for one hour, then every 1 hour for 2 hours after paracentesis is a good schedule. This allows for close monitoring immediately after the procedure, when complications are most likely to occur. It then allows for continued monitoring as the patient stabilizes.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood pressure every 5 minutes for 30 minutes, then every 4 hours thereafter may not provide enough monitoring in the immediate post-procedure period. While it is important to continue monitoring, the first few hours after the procedure are a critical time when complications are most likely to occur.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A sudden change in behavior, especially confusion and agitation, in an elderly patient could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Pain during urination is a common symptom of UTIs.
Therefore, it is crucial to inquire if the patient is experiencing any pain during urination.
Choice B rationale
While a high-protein diet can be beneficial for some patients, there is no direct link between increased protein intake and the alleviation of confusion or agitation in elderly patients.
Therefore, this option is not a necessary immediate action for the nurse to take.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the patient’s current food and medication allergies is important. Certain medications or foods might cause adverse reactions, including confusion and agitation. Therefore, it is crucial to review the patient’s allergies to rule out any potential allergens as the cause of the sudden change in behavior.
Choice D rationale
A recent fall could potentially lead to a head injury, which might cause confusion and agitation. Therefore, it is important to determine if the patient has recently experienced a fall.
Choice E rationale
Providing instructions on how to take the patient’s temperature is important. Fever could be a sign of an infection or other medical condition that might cause confusion and agitation.
Therefore, knowing how to accurately measure the patient’s temperature can help monitor the patient’s condition.
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