Exhibits
Which laboratory tests would be helpful in determining the plan of care for this client? Select all that apply.
Coagulation studies
Type and screen
Urine osmolality
Complete blood count
Blood culture
Lipid panel
Arterial blood gas
Electrolytes
Correct Answer : A,B,D,G,H
A. Coagulation Studies: This client has liver and spleen lacerations with blood noted in the peritoneum, increasing the risk of coagulopathy due to active bleeding. The liver is responsible for producing clotting factors, and an injury may impair coagulation. The client also has a low hemoglobin (9.3 g/dL) and hematocrit (30%), suggesting ongoing blood loss. Monitoring prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) can guide transfusion therapy (e.g., fresh frozen plasma or platelets).
B. Type and Screen: This client has evidence of hemorrhagic shock (tachycardia, narrow pulse pressure, low hemoglobin/hematocrit) and may require blood transfusion. Type and screen determines ABO blood type and Rh factor to ensure availability of compatible blood products. If bleeding worsens, crossmatching blood would be necessary for transfusion.
C. Urine osmolality: Not a priority in this trauma case. Urine osmolality assesses kidney function and hydration status but does not provide urgent information about blood loss, shock, or ventilation status.
D. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Provides serial hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) monitoring to assess for ongoing internal bleeding. White blood cell (WBC) count helps detect infection or inflammation post-operatively. Platelets are critical for clotting and must be monitored, especially in trauma patients at risk for coagulopathy.
E. Blood culture: Used to detect bloodstream infections (sepsis), which is not an immediate concern in this trauma patient. While infection risk is relevant postoperatively, it is not a priority test for acute trauma care.
F. Lipid panel: Lipid panels evaluate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are irrelevant in acute trauma management.
G. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): This client is intubated and ventilated, making ABG analysis essential for evaluating: Oxygenation (PaO₂, SaO₂) and ventilation (PaCO₂), Acid-base balance (pH, bicarbonate levels). Early detection of metabolic acidosis, which may indicate shock or inadequate perfusion.
H. Electrolytes: Trauma and fluid resuscitation can cause electrolyte imbalances, leading to cardiac arrhythmias, fluid shifts, and metabolic disturbances. Potassium (K⁺) is Essential to monitor due to IV fluids with potassium chloride infusion. Sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) are crucial in assessing fluid status and acid-base balance. Lactate levels (part of a metabolic panel) can indicate tissue hypoxia and worsening shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Potential condition:
TACO is a complication that can occur during or shortly after a blood transfusion, particularly in children. It happens when the volume of blood infused exceeds the circulatory system's ability to handle it, leading to fluid overload. In this case, the child is receiving 250 mL of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), and there are signs that the child may be experiencing fluid overload, such as tachycardia, hypotension, headache, and flushing. The elevated heart rate (115 beats/minute) and low blood pressure (88/44 mm Hg) after the transfusion started suggest that the child may be at risk for circulatory overload. These symptoms, combined with the increased temperature (100.9°F, 38.3°C), further support the likelihood of TACO.
Actions to Take:
Stop the blood transfusion: This is the first and most important step when transfusion-related complications, such as TACO, are suspected. Stopping the transfusion immediately helps to prevent further exacerbation of the fluid overload, which could lead to worsening respiratory distress and circulatory compromise.
Administer an antipyretic: The child has developed a fever (100.9°F), which could be a response to the transfusion. Administering an antipyretic such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the fever, provide comfort, and prevent further complications. Fever management is important, especially in transfusion reactions, as it helps reduce the risk of complications such as febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR).
Parameters to Monitor:
Blood pressure: Monitoring the blood pressure is critical in assessing the child’s circulatory status. A low blood pressure (88/44 mm Hg), especially in the context of tachycardia, indicates that the child is experiencing hypotension, which is often associated with circulatory overload. Close monitoring of blood pressure will help guide the decision to start appropriate treatments, such as diuretics, to manage the overload.
Hematocrit: The hematocrit value provides information about the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Given that the child’s hemoglobin was 6.5 g/dL (65 g/L) prior to the transfusion, it’s important to continue monitoring the hematocrit to assess the effectiveness of the PRBC transfusion. If the hematocrit remains low despite transfusion, it could indicate an ongoing issue with blood volume or oxygen delivery to tissues.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) is a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease and will directly affect the client's mobility, requiring intervention to assist with movement and prevent falls.
B. Stooped posture is common in Parkinson's disease and can contribute to impaired balance and increase the risk of falls, making interventions for posture and mobility necessary.
C. Orthostatic hypotension is not specifically a mobility issue, but it can affect the client's overall safety and risk for falls. It may require monitoring and interventions to address blood pressure changes, but it is not as directly related to mobility as the other symptoms.
D. Shuffling, propulsive gait is a typical motor symptom of Parkinson's disease and increases the risk of falls, necessitating planning for interventions to improve gait and balance.
E. Muscular rigidity is another classic symptom that can limit the client's mobility, causing difficulty with movement, and requires interventions to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
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