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 C
Explanation
A. Report any increase in the white blood cell count: While monitoring for signs of infection is important, an increase in WBC count alone does not address the risk of MRSA recurrence in the wound. Early intervention with infection control measures is more important.
B. Change the surgical dressing readily when soiled: Changing the dressing when soiled is necessary for wound hygiene but does not target MRSA recurrence. Adhering to infection control measures, like contact precautions, is more effective in preventing MRSA.
C. Instruct the family to adhere to contact precautions: Educating the family on contact precautions is critical for preventing the spread and recurrence of MRSA, especially in the postoperative period. It reduces the risk of contamination and protects both the patient and healthcare workers.
D. Wear a face mask while performing wound care: Wearing a face mask is not necessary for preventing MRSA transmission in the wound care setting. Contact precautions, including proper hand hygiene and wearing gloves, are more effective for MRSA prevention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Risk for self-directed violence as evidenced by feelings of hopelessness": The client’s feelings of hopelessness, combined with significant weight loss and loss of interest in activities, suggest possible depression. Hopelessness is a key symptom of depression, which can increase the risk for self-harm or suicide.
B. "Chronic low self-esteem as evidenced by feelings of worthlessness": Feelings of worthlessness are part of the larger picture of the client’s depression. The priority is to address the immediate risk of harm, which takes precedence over chronic low self-esteem.
C. "Anxiety as evidenced by abdominal discomfort secondary to depression": While abdominal discomfort can be a symptom of depression, it is secondary to the more immediate concern of the client’s potential risk for self-directed violence.
D. "Imbalanced nutrition as evidenced by 25 lb (11 kg) weight loss in four months": The significant weight loss is concerning, but it is likely a result of the client’s depression. The focus should first be on addressing the client’s safety, followed by nutrition and weight restoration.
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