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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Explain to the parents that anger is a common response to grief.
Choice A rationale:
Referring the parents to the chaplain for grief counseling can be beneficial, but it may not address the immediate emotional outburst and the need for understanding their feelings.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the parents that blaming each other will not change the situation might be true, but it can come across as dismissive and may not provide the emotional support they need at that moment.
Choice C rationale:
Assuring the parents that a terminal diagnosis is inevitable does not address their current emotional state and may seem insensitive to their grief and anger.
Choice D rationale:
Explaining to the parents that anger is a common response to grief helps them understand their emotions and provides immediate emotional support, making it the best intervention in this situation.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer isa. Place a bedside commode next to bed.,b. Measure neurological vital signs every 4 hours.,d. Encourage family to participate in the client’s care.
Choice A rationale:
Placing a bedside commode next to the bed helps prevent falls and promotes independence in toileting, which is crucial for stroke patients who may have mobility issues.
Choice B rationale:
Measuring neurological vital signs every 4 hours is essential to monitor for any changes in the patient’s condition, which can help in early detection of complications.
Choice C rationale:
Suctioning the oral cavity every 4 hours is not typically necessary unless the patient has specific issues with swallowing or secretion management.Routine suctioning can also cause discomfort and potential injury.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging family to participate in the client’s care provides emotional support and helps in the rehabilitation process.Family involvement can improve the patient’s motivation and adherence to the rehabilitation plan.
Choice E rationale:
Playing classical music in the room can be soothing and beneficial for some patients, but it is not a standard intervention for stroke rehabilitation.The effectiveness of music therapy can vary based on individual preferences.
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