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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In this scenario, the client is experiencing difficulty falling asleep at night, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. These symptoms may indicate that the client's exercise routine is impacting their sleep patterns. By asking the client for a description of their exercise schedule, the nurse can gather important information about the timing, intensity, and duration of the client's exercise regimen.

Exercise has numerous benefits for sleep and overall health, but the timing and intensity of exercise can affect sleep patterns differently for individuals. Vigorous exercise close to bedtime may increase alertness and make it harder for some people to fall asleep.

Therefore, understanding the client's exercise routine will help the nurse assess if the timing or intensity of the exercise is contributing to the sleep issues.

Based on the information gathered, the nurse can provide appropriate guidance. This may include adjusting the timing of exercise to earlier in the day, reducing the intensity of exercise closer to bedtime, or considering other factors that may be contributing to the sleep difficulties, such as caffeine intake, stress, or environmental factors.

A. Palpate all peripheral pulse points for volume and strength. B. Monitor the amount of drainage from the client's incision. C. Observe both lower extremities for redness and swelling. D. Evaluate the client's ability to use an incentive spirometer.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Observe both lower extremities for redness and swelling.

Choice A rationale:

Palpating all peripheral pulse points for volume and strength is important for assessing circulation, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices.IPC devices are primarily used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and improve venous return, so monitoring for signs of DVT is more relevant.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the amount of drainage from the client’s incision is crucial for assessing wound healing and detecting potential infections, but it is not related to the effectiveness of IPC devices.

Choice C rationale:

Observing both lower extremities for redness and swelling is the most important assessment for evaluating the effectiveness of IPC devices. Redness and swelling can be signs of DVT, which IPC devices are designed to prevent.Therefore, this assessment directly measures whether the devices are functioning as intended.

Choice D rationale:

Evaluating the client’s ability to use an incentive spirometer is important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, but it does not assess the effectiveness of IPC devices.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client tells the nurse about jogging every day with the hope of losing weight and sleeping better. The client states that it takes hours to fall asleep at night and is experiencing fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In evaluating the effectiveness of a postoperative client's intermittent pneumatic compression devices, which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendation(s) should the nurse provide this client? (Select all that apply.)

A client is being discharged home after being treated for heart failure (HF). Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's discharge teaching plan?

The nurse implements a primary prevention program for sexually transmitted diseases in a nurse-managed health center. Which outcome Indicates that the program was effective?

A client with persistent low back pain has received a prescription for an electronic stimulator (TENS) unit. After the nurse applies the electrodes and turns on the power, the client reports feeling a tingling sensation. How should the nurse respond?