A nurse is caring for a client in an acute care setting.
The client is at risk for ________ as evidences by __________.
Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. Pick 2 choices.
Hypostatic pneumonia.
Anemia.
Fluid volume overload.
Immobility.
Calorie deficiency.
Correct Answer : A,D
Hypostatic Pneumonia Hypostatic pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that occurs when fluid or secretions settle in the lower lobes of the lungs, typically due to a lack of movement or staying in one position for too long. In this case, the client has paraplegia, which is a form of significant immobility. This condition prevents the client from effectively clearing their airway and results in decreased lung expansion.
Analysis of Evidence The clinical findings on Day 2 clearly indicate a progression toward an infectious respiratory process caused by this immobility:
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Respiratory Status: The oxygen saturation has dropped from 95% to 89%, and the respiratory rate has increased from 20/min to 24/min (tachypnea).
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Symptoms: The client has transitioned from a simple cough to a productive cough and is now experiencing confusion, which is a common sign of hypoxia in clinical settings.
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Infection Markers: The client's temperature has risen to 38.4°C (101.1°F), and the WBC count is elevated at 12,500/mm³, indicating a systemic inflammatory response or infection.
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Tachycardia: The heart rate has increased to 105/min, which is a compensatory mechanism for decreased oxygenation and the presence of a fever.
While the client's Hgb is slightly low (11.0 g/dL), it does not explain the acute onset of fever, confusion, and productive cough. Furthermore, there are no signs of fluid volume overload (such as edema or high BP) or calorie deficiency that would trigger these specific respiratory and febrile symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Dyspnea.
Choice B rationale: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a potential indication of a recurrent pulmonary embolism and should be reported immediately. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice A rationale: Hypotension may be a concerning finding in postoperative clients, but it is not the priority for a client with a history of pulmonary embolism. Hypotension could be related to various factors like bleeding or anesthesia effects.
Choice C rationale: Dry cough may occur as a result of irritation or inflammation in the airway due to the surgical procedure or anesthesia. Although it should be monitored, it is not the highest priority in this situation.
Choice D rationale: Tachycardia can be a common postoperative finding due to pain, anxiety, or other factors. Although it should be monitored and addressed, it is not the most critical concern in this case. Dyspnea is more closely related to a possible pulmonary embolism and should be reported promptly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring.
Choice A rationale:
Implementing fluid restrictions is not recommended for a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is characterized by severe dehydration due to osmotic diuresis, and fluid replacement is a critical component of treatment to restore hydration and circulatory volume.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is not sufficient for a child with DKA. DKA is an acute, life-threatening condition that requires close monitoring of vital signs to detect changes in the patient’s condition promptly. Vital signs should be monitored more frequently, typically every 1 to 2 hours, depending on the severity of the DKA and institutional protocols.
Choice C rationale:
Continuous cardiac monitoring is recommended for a child with DKA. DKA can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of these potential complications.
Choice D rationale:
Administering subcutaneous insulin 30 minutes before meals is not appropriate for the acute management of DKA. In DKA, insulin is typically administered intravenously to rapidly decrease blood glucose levels and correct metabolic acidosis. Subcutaneous insulin is not used until the patient is stable and able to eat.
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