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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["1000"]

Explanation

rate (mL/h) = volume (mL) / time (h).

In this case, the volume is 500 mL and the time is 0.5 h (30 minutes).

Plugging these values into the formula, we get: rate (mL/h) = 500 mL / 0.5 h = 1000 mL/h. Therefore, the nurse should set the infusion pump to 1000 mL/hour.

A. I am at high risk for post-traumatic-stress disorder because I have acute stress disorder B. I can use holistic approaches like meditation to help my symptoms. C. I can learn to manage my thoughts better through therapy. D. Many people have the same response to a stressful situation as I am having E. This diagnosis means that I am crazy. F. I will probably need to be on medication for the rest of my life.

Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]

Explanation

A) Correct- The client's statement suggests a misconception about the progression from acute stress disorder (ASD) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While ASD is an initial response to trauma, it doesn't necessarily indicate a high risk for developing PTSD. The nurse should provide education about the differences and the various factors that influence the development of PTSD.

B) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's proactive approach to using holistic approaches like meditation to manage symptoms. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety related to the traumatic event.

C) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's motivation to learn how to manage their thoughts better through therapy. Therapy can be highly effective for addressing trauma-related distress and helping clients develop coping strategies.

D) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's recognition that their response is shared by many people in similar situations. Validating the client's experience and normalizing their feelings can be therapeutic.

E) Correct- This statement reflects a common misconception and stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. The nurse should reassure the client that a diagnosis of acute stress disorderdoes not equate to being "crazy" and provide information about the nature of the disorder and available treatments.

F) Correct- The statement implies a potential pessimistic outlook on treatment. While medication might be part of the treatment plan, it's important to emphasize that treatment approaches are individualized. Encouraging an open dialogue about various treatment options, including therapy and coping strategies, is essential.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The healthcare provider prescribes 500 mL intravenous (IV) bolus of 0.9% normal saline to be infused over 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump? (Enter numerical value only.)

Correct Answer is ["1000"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]

Explanation

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who underwent a pneumonectomy. The client wants to resume social activities with family. How should the nurse respond?

Which instruction should the nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

The nurse is triaging several children as they present to the emergency room after a school bus accident. Which child requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Exhibits The nurse reviews the physician's orders for clonazepam and gives the medication as ordered. What nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam? Select all that apply.

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). When providing teaching on lowering blood glucose levels and increasing serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which instruction should the nurse include?