Exhibits
Review H and P, laboratory results, flow sheet, and orders.
The nurse notifies the health care provider of the lab values, blood pressure and pulse, and current intake and output.
Which prescriptions does the nurse expect the healthcare provider to write based on the information? Select all that apply.
Turn off the suction on the nasogastric tube
Bolus calcium
Increase the intravenous fluid rate
Add potassium to the intravenous fluids
Administer a diuretic
Flush the central line with 3% sodium chloride
Decrease the percentage of sodium in the intravenous fluids
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A. Turn off the suction on the nasogastric tube. The client has been experiencing continuous nasogastric (NG) suction, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The client's low blood pressure (86/64 mm Hg), leg cramping, and fatigue suggest volume depletion and possible electrolyte loss. Discontinuing NG suction will help prevent further fluid loss and electrolyte depletion.
B. Bolus calcium. The client’s calcium levels (9.2 mg/dL and 9.1 mg/dL) are within normal range (8.5–10.2 mg/dL). Since there is no indication of hypocalcemia, a calcium bolus is not necessary.
C. Increase the intravenous fluid rate. The client’s low blood pressure, tachycardia (96 bpm), and signs of fatigue suggest hypovolemia, likely due to fluid losses from NG suction and inadequate IV fluid replacement. Increasing IV fluid rate can help restore circulatory volume and improve perfusion.
D. Add potassium to the intravenous fluids. The client’s potassium level has dropped from 3.8 mEq/L to 3.5 mEq/L, which is at the lower limit of normal (3.5–5.0 mEq/L). Prolonged NG suctioning can cause hypokalemia, leading to muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue. Adding potassium to IV fluids can prevent further decline and correct the deficiency.
E. Administer a diuretic. The client is already hypovolemic due to NG losses, as evidenced by low blood pressure and tachycardia. A diuretic would further exacerbate volume depletion, making it an inappropriate intervention.
F. Flush the central line with 3% sodium chloride. The client's sodium levels are normal (139–142 mEq/L), so a hypertonic saline flush (3% NaCl) is not needed. This type of fluid is typically used for severe hyponatremia, which is not present in this case.
G. Decrease the percentage of sodium in the intravenous fluids. The client is receiving Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride, which provides isotonic hydration. Since the sodium level is within normal limits and the client is hypovolemic, reducing sodium concentration in IV fluids is not necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}
Explanation
- Pulse of 105 beats/minute – Both mastitis and endometritis
Tachycardia (heart rate >100 bpm) is a systemic response to infection and inflammation, which can occur in both mastitis and endometritis. In mastitis, infection in the breast tissue triggers a systemic inflammatory response, while in endometritis, uterine infection can cause sepsis-related tachycardia. - Feeling chilled, achy, and fatigued – Both mastitis and endometritis
Both conditions can cause systemic flu-like symptoms, including chills, body aches, and fatigue, as the body mounts an immune response. Mastitis leads to generalized malaise due to localized infection and inflammation in the breast, while endometritis causes uterine infection, which can spread if untreated. - Baby fed pumped breast milk – Mastitis
Mastitis often develops due to milk stasis when the breasts are not fully emptied. The client was away from the baby for several hours while feeding pumped milk, which may have led to incomplete drainage of the breast, increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth and mastitis. - Pain rating of 4 on a 0 to 10 scale – Mastitis
Pain in mastitis is usually localized to the affected breast, presenting as a red, firm, warm area. The uterine pain in endometritis is generally more cramp-like and associated with uterine tenderness, rather than a focal area of pain like in mastitis. - Foul-smelling lochia rubra at 2 weeks postpartum – Endometritis
Lochia should transition from rubra (red) to serosa (pink-brown) to alba (white/yellow) within 2 weeks postpartum. Foul-smelling, persistent lochia rubra is a hallmark sign of endometritis, indicating bacterial overgrowth in the uterus. - Temperature of 101.2° F (38.4°C) – Both mastitis and endometritis
Fever is a key symptom of both mastitis and endometritis as the body responds to infection. Mastitis causes localized breast infection with systemic symptoms, while endometritis results in uterine infection and systemic inflammatory response.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Begin prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration. While IV antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections such as epiglottitis, securing the airway is the priority in this child with severe respiratory distress. Antibiotic therapy should be initiated after airway stabilization to prevent further deterioration.
B. Schedule the child for a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck. An MRI is not appropriate in an emergency airway situation, as it requires the child to remain still and may delay critical interventions. A clinical diagnosis of epiglottitis is based on symptoms, and confirmation is typically done with lateral neck X-rays only if the airway is stable.
C. Obtain bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider. The child’s symptoms—high fever, drooling, anxiety, and a tripod sitting position—are classic signs of epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Immediate airway management is critical, as swelling of the epiglottis can rapidly lead to complete airway obstruction. Equipment for emergency intubation or tracheotomy must be readily available.
D. Provide a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators. Nebulized bronchodilators are used for conditions like asthma or croup but are ineffective in epiglottitis, which is caused by inflammation and swelling of the supraglottic structures. Administering nebulized treatments may further distress the child and increase the risk of airway obstruction.
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