Exhibits
Review H and P and nurse's notes.
Click to highlight which assessment findings should the nurse attend to right away?
Admitted client. Vital signs: heart rate 128 beats/minute, rhythm sinus tachycardia, respiratory rate 14 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation 100% on 40% fraction of inspired oxygen, temperature 96.9° F (36.1° C), blood pressure 90/79 mm Hg. Pulse pressure calculated to be less than 40 mm Hg. The client's surgical dressing is clean and dry. Ecchymosis noted on the abdomen around the dressing. The client has a peripheral intravenous line in the right forearm and one in the left hand. The client also has a right subclavian central venous catheter that is infusing propofol and intravenous fluids. Heart sounds are regular. The skin is pink. Capillary refill is 6 seconds. Radial pulses are equal bilaterally. Lung sounds are clear and equal bilaterally. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter in place. No urine noted. The client has no visitors at this time. The social worker is attempting to contact family members. The client opens her eyes to verbal stimuli and follows verbal commands.
heart rate 128 beats/minute, rhythm sinus tachycardia
respiratory rate 14 breaths/minute
oxygen saturation 100% on 40% fraction of inspired oxygen
temperature 96.9° F (36.1° C)
blood pressure 90/79 mm Hg
Pulse pressure calculated to be less than 40 mm Hg
The client's surgical dressing is clean and dry
Ecchymosis noted on the abdomen around the dressing
Capillary refill is 6 seconds
Radial pulses are equal bilaterally
Lung sounds are clear and equal bilaterally
No urine noted
The Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","F","H","I","L"]
Rationale for Correct Choices:
- Heart rate 128 beats/minute, sinus tachycardia: The elevated heart rate of 128 beats/minute suggests tachycardia, which could indicate hypovolemia or shock, especially given the traumatic nature of the injury. This warrants immediate attention to prevent cardiovascular compromise.
- Temperature 96.9° F (36.1° C): A low temperature is concerning in trauma patients and could indicate hypothermia, which worsens in a critical setting. It should be monitored closely and actively managed, especially in the ICU setting.
- Blood pressure 90/79 mm Hg, pulse pressure less than 40 mm Hg: A pulse pressure of less than 40 mm Hg can be a sign of insufficient perfusion and is concerning in trauma. The low blood pressure in combination with the narrowed pulse pressure suggests the possibility of hemorrhagic shock, which requires immediate intervention to stabilize blood volume.
- Ecchymosis noted on the abdomen around the dressing: Ecchymosis around the abdominal dressing, combined with the history of trauma and CT findings of liver and spleen lacerations with peritoneal blood, strongly indicates ongoing internal bleeding.
- Capillary refill is 6 seconds: Delayed capillary refill is a sign of poor peripheral perfusion, which can be indicative of hypovolemic shock or other circulatory compromise. This finding should be addressed promptly to assess circulatory status and address underlying causes.
- No urine noted in the indwelling urinary catheter: The absence of urine output is a critical finding, especially in a trauma patient. It may indicate renal hypoperfusion due to low blood pressure, which can lead to acute kidney injury.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
- Respiratory rate 14 breaths/minute: A respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute is within the normal range for an adult. There are no signs of respiratory distress, so it does not require urgent attention at this time.
- Oxygen saturation 100% on 40% fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2): The oxygen saturation is 100%, which is within the normal range. The use of 40% FiO2 is appropriate for intubated patients, and no immediate intervention is needed for oxygenation at this time.
- Surgical dressing is clean and dry: The surgical dressing being clean and dry suggests there is no active bleeding at the moment, it does not require urgent intervention unless there are signs of worsening or internal bleeding.
- Lung sounds are clear and equal bilaterally: Clear lung sounds indicate that there are no immediate respiratory issues such as fluid buildup or obstruction. This is a positive finding and does not require urgent attention at this time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Haven't you been feeding according to recommended daily allowances for children?": This response implies blame and lacks sensitivity. It doesn't acknowledge the child’s underlying medical condition that may affect growth.
B. "Does your child seem mentally slower than his peers also?": Intellectual development is unrelated to height/weight percentile in children with congenital heart disease unless there are neurological complications, which haven't been indicated.
C. "You should not worry about the growth tables. They are only averages for children.": While growth charts are averages, they are clinically significant, especially for identifying underdevelopment in children with chronic illnesses.
D. "The smaller size is probably due to the heart disease.": Chronic hypoxia and increased metabolic demands in congenital heart disease often contribute to poor weight gain and growth delay, making this the most informative and empathetic response.
Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Check the temperature of the humidified oxygen attached to the ventilator: The client is intubated and receiving humidified oxygen. If the oxygen is cold, it can contribute to hypothermia. Ensuring that the humidified oxygen is at an appropriate temperature will help prevent further heat loss.
B. Instill warm fluids in the nasogastric tube: Instilling warm fluids via a nasogastric tube is not a standard or efficient method for core rewarming in a hypothermic trauma client. It introduces a risk of aspiration and is less effective than other core rewarming techniques.
C. Microwave a pack of gauze and distribute across the body: Microwaving a pack of gauze is not a safe or controlled method to warm the body. It could result in burns or uneven heat distribution, which could be harmful.
D. Place ice packs around the client's head: Ice packs are typically used to lower body temperature, not raise it. Applying ice packs would worsen the hypothermia and is inappropriate in this case.
E. Apply warm blankets: Warm blankets are a common and effective method to increase body temperature in hypothermic patients. This will help promote heat retention and stabilize the patient's body temperature.
F. Use a fluid warmer for intravenous fluids: Cold intravenous fluids can lower body temperature further. A fluid warmer ensures that fluids are administered at body temperature, helping to prevent hypothermia.
G. Administer intravenous fluids with a rapid infuser: While rapid fluid administration is important for hemodynamic stabilization in trauma patients, it does not directly address body temperature. Without a warmer, rapid infusers can contribute to further cooling.
H. Administer an antipyretic: Antipyretics are used to reduce fever, but there is no indication that the client has a fever. The concern here is hypothermia, not an elevated temperature, so antipyretics would not be appropriate in this situation.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
