After the change-of-shift report, the practical nurse (PN) makes rounds on a postoperative unit. Which client finding necessitates the Immediate attention of the PN?
An older client whose blood pressure (BP) is 100/70 after receiving meperidine for pain related to a hip fracture.
A client who has pink urine draining from the indwelling urinary catheter following transurethral prostatectomy.
A client who is having bright red drainage from the rectum following a colonoscopy with polyp removal.
A client who has brown-green bile draining from a T-tube after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.
The Correct Answer is C
The client finding that necessitates immediate attention by the practical nurse (PN) is a client who is having bright red drainage from the rectum following a colonoscopy with polyp removal. Bright red rectal bleeding can indicate active bleeding and immediate intervention is required to assess the severity of the bleeding, control the bleeding if possible, and prevent further complications.
A. The older client with a blood pressure of 100/70 after receiving meperidine for pain may require further assessment, but it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition.
B. Pink urine draining from the indwelling urinary catheter following a transurethral prostatectomy may be expected due to the surgical procedure, but it should still be monitored.
D. Brown-green bile draining from a T-tube after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis is also an expected finding.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Regular insulin is the medication of choice for treating DKA. Its main action is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver. Therefore, checking the fingerstick blood glucose level is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the insulin treatment.
A decrease in the blood glucose level indicates that the insulin is working to lower the high blood sugar associated with DKA. This measurement helps the PN assess the response to treatment and adjust the insulin dosage if necessary.
The other actions mentioned are also important assessments in the care of a client with DKA, but they do not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage:
A. Smelling the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor is important as it indicates a decrease in ketone production, which is a marker of improving DKA. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
B. Determining the client's orientation to time and space is part of assessing their neurological status, which is crucial in managing DKA. However, it does not specifically assess the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
C. Measuring the client's urinary output for an increased volume is important to monitor hydration status and renal function, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The vital sign trends that indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and should be reported to the charge nurse are:
Bradycardia: A slow heart rate can be a sign of increased ICP.
Irregular respiratory patterns: Abnormal breathing patterns, such as irregular or Cheyne-Stokes respirations, can be indicative of increased ICP.
Widening pulse pressure: An increased difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (widening pulse pressure) can be a sign of increased ICP.
A- Heart rate above 110 beats/minute, elevated respiratory rate, and hypotension: While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be associated with increased ICP, hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically seen in this condition. Hypotension can be a sign of other factors, such as hypovolemia or shock, which may or may not be related to the head injury.
B- Bounding pulse rate, groaning respiratory effort, and elevated blood pressure: Bounding pulse rate and elevated blood pressure are not specific to increased ICP. They can be influenced by other factors such as pain, anxiety, or medications. Groaning respiratory effort may indicate respiratory distress, but it is not directly related to increased ICP.
C- Thready rapid pulse, trembling, perspiration, weakness, and irritability: These signs and symptoms can be associated with various conditions such as anxiety, stress, or other physiological responses. While they may occur in the context of increased ICP, they are not specific to this condition alone.
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