An older client is admitted to the intensive care unit unconscious after several days of vomiting and diarrhea.
Vital Signs
Heart Rate-beats/minute- 110 Respirations - breathes/minute- 28 Blood Pressure – mmHG- 80/60
Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
Ph- 7.34
PaCO2- 34 mmHg
HCO3- 20 mmol/L
pO2- 90 mmHg
Electrolytes Results
Sodium
130 mEq/L(mmol/L) Potassium
2.5 mEq/L (mmol/L) Chloride
95 mEq/L (mmol/L)
Reference Range:
Sodium [136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)]
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
Chloride [98 to 106 mEq/L (98 to 106 mmol/L)]
PaCO2 [35 to 45 mm Hg]
HCO, [21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg)
The nurse inserts a urinary catheter and obtains a scant amount of dark amber output. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? (Please scroll and view each tab's information in the client's medical record before selecting the answer.)
Initiate continuous dopamine infusion at 2 mcg/kg/minute.
Administer promethazine 25 mg slow intravenous (IV) push every 4 hours.
Begin potassium chloride 10 mEq over 1 hour per secondary infusion.
Give a bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 ml over 30 minutes.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Incorrect - Initiating continuous dopamine infusion is not a priority in this situation. The client's low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances require more immediate attention.
B) Incorrect - Administering promethazine addresses symptoms like nausea and vomiting, but it doesn't address the primary issue of hypovolemia and low blood pressure.
C) Incorrect - Administering potassium chloride without addressing the fluid deficit can be dangerous and may lead to further electrolyte imbalances.
D) Correct- The client's vital signs and laboratory results indicate hypovolemia (low blood pressure, low sodium, and low potassium). The immediate priority is to address the fluid deficit and correct the electrolyte imbalances. Administering a bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) will help increase intravascular volume and improve blood pressure, as well as correct the electrolyte imbalances to some extent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While providing comfort measures like blankets and warm drinks can help the client feel more comfortable, they do not address the underlying thyroid hormone imbalance.
B) Incorrect- Hemoglobin level is not directly related to the client's symptoms or the thyroid hormone imbalance. Monitoring hemoglobin is important in assessing anemia but is not the priority in this case.
C) Correct- The client's symptoms (raspy voice, cold intolerance, fatigue) along with an elevated TSH and low T3 and T4 levels suggest hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Administering the prescribed dose of levothyroxine is crucial to address the thyroid hormone imbalance and alleviate the symptoms.
D. Incorrect- Non-pitting edema is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The client's symptoms and lab results are more indicative of hypothyroidism, and addressing the thyroid hormone imbalance is the priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer ischoice A.
Choice A rationale:
Having the client vocalize the instructions provided ensures that they have understood the information correctly.This method allows the nurse to confirm comprehension and clarify any misunderstandings.
Choice B rationale:
Providing written instructions for eye drop administration is helpful but does not ensure that the client understands the instructions.It is a good supplementary measure but should not be the sole method of communication.
Choice C rationale:
Speaking clearly and facing the client for lip reading is important, especially for clients with hearing impairments.However, it does not guarantee that the client has understood the instructions.
Choice D rationale:
Ensuring that someone will stay with the client for 24 hours is a good safety measure but does not directly address the client’s understanding of the discharge instructions.
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