Exhibits
A nurse is collecting data from a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should notify the provider for which of the following findings? (Click on the "Exhibit" button for additional information about the client There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)
Respiratory rate
Blood pressure
Hematocrit
PCO2
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A. Respiratory rate
Reason: After thoracentesis, it's crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory rate. An increased respiratory rate could indicate respiratory distress. In this case, the respiratory rate is 26/min, which is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute for an adult at rest). Therefore, the nurse should notify the provider about this finding.
Choice B. Blood pressure
Reason: The blood pressure of the patient is 110/76 mm Hg, which falls within the normal range (90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg). Therefore, there is no need for the nurse to notify the provider about the patient's blood pressure.
Choice C. Hematocrit
Reason: The hematocrit level is 43%, which is within the normal range (38.8% to 50.0% for males, and 34.9% to 44.5% for females). Therefore, there is no need for the nurse to notify the provider about the patient's hematocrit level².
Choice D. PCO2
Reason: The PCO2 level is 37 mm Hg, which is within the normal range (35 to 45 mm Hg). Therefore, there is no need for the nurse to notify the provider about the patient's PCO2 level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sterile gloves should be donned after removing the old dressing and before handling the new sterile dressing.
Choice B reason: Offering pain medication before the procedure can help manage discomfort during the dressing change.
Choice C reason: Disinfecting the wound bed with alcohol is not recommended as it can damage new tissue and delay healing.
Choice D reason: Preparing sterile dressing supplies should be done just before the dressing change to maintain sterility.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg is above the normal range and indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Choice B reason: An HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate acidosis.
Choice C reason: A pH of 7.47 is actually slightly alkalotic, not acidotic.
Choice D reason: A PaO2 of 85 mm Hg is within the normal range for arterial oxygen tension and does not indicate respiratory acidosis.
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