An older client who is agitated, dyspneic, orthopneic, and using accessory muscles to breathe is admitted for further treatment. Initial assessment includes a heart rate of 128 beats/minute and irregular, respirations of 38 breaths/minute, blood pressure of 168/100 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation of 90% on room air. Wheezes and crackles are noted throughout bilateral lung fields. An hour after the administration of furosemide 60 mg IV push (IVP), which assessments should the nurse obtain to determine the client's response to treatment? Select all that apply.

Skin elasticity.

Pain scale.

Lung sounds.

Oxygen saturation.

Urinary output.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : C,D,E

Choice A reason: Skin elasticity is not an immediate indicator of the client's response to diuretic treatment. It is more commonly used to assess hydration status and overall skin condition rather than the effectiveness of a diuretic.

Choice B reason: Pain scale is important for assessing the client's comfort level, but it does not directly measure the effectiveness of furosemide in improving respiratory status and reducing fluid overload.

Choice C reason: Lung sounds should be assessed to determine if there is an improvement in the client's respiratory status after the administration of furosemide. Reduction in wheezes and crackles would indicate decreased fluid in the lungs and improved breathing.

Choice D reason: Oxygen saturation is crucial to monitor as it provides information on the client's oxygenation status. An improvement in oxygen saturation levels indicates effective relief of pulmonary congestion and better gas exchange after the diuretic treatment.

Choice E reason: Urinary output is a direct measure of the effectiveness of furosemide, as it promotes diuresis to remove excess fluid from the body. Increased urinary output indicates that the medication is working to reduce fluid overload.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Assessing peripheral pulses is important for understanding the client's overall circulatory status, but it is not the most urgent assessment in this situation. The client's symptoms suggest a possible thyrotoxic crisis, which requires immediate evaluation of critical vital signs.

Choice B reason: Obtaining vital signs is the most important initial assessment. The client's report of anxiety, heart racing, and pounding could indicate a severe exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, potentially leading to a thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm). Vital signs will provide essential information on the client's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and overall stability, which are crucial for immediate management.

Choice C reason: The presence of a goitre can indicates thyroid gland enlargement, which is relevant for long-term management of hyperthyroidism. However, it does not provide immediate information on the client's current acute condition.

Choice D reason: Assessing emotional status is important for comprehensive care, but it is not the priority in this acute scenario. The client's physiological status needs to be stabilized first, as indicated by their vital signs, before focusing on their emotional state.

A. Cold intolerance. B. Weight gain. C. Hypoventilation. D. Lethargy.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the reduced metabolic rate. While it is important to address this symptom, it does not require immediate intervention compared to respiratory issues.

Choice B reason: Weight gain is also a common symptom of hypothyroidism because of the decreased metabolism. It is significant but not immediately life-threatening, so it does not take priority over more urgent conditions.

Choice C reason: Hypoventilation is the most critical finding because it indicates respiratory depression. This can lead to severe hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention, potentially causing life-threatening complications. Immediate intervention is required to support the client's breathing and prevent respiratory failure.

Choice D reason: Lethargy is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the overall slowing of the body's functions. While concerning, it is not as immediately dangerous as hypoventilation, which directly affects the client's ability to breathe effectively.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with hyperthyroidism tells the home health nurse, "I stopped taking my antithyroid medication and now I feel anxious. I can feel my heart racing and pounding." Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of a client's treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assessing for which primary symptom?

Which diet modification should the nurse suggest to a client who was recently diagnosed with diverticulitis?

The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who has cystitis. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

A client with Crohn's disease is admitted to the medical unit with a three-day history of abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

A male client comes to the clinic with concerns of erectile dysfunction (ED). Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

The nurse is preparing to obtain a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test for a client who was exposed to the virus eight days ago. The client is experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

In planning care for a client with chronic ulcerative colitis, which long-term goal is most important for the nurse to include?