On arrival at the intensive care unit, a critically ill patient suffers respiratory arrest and is placed on mechanical ventilation. The physician orders pulse oximetry to monitor the patient’s arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) noninvasively. Which vital sign abnormality may alter pulse oximetry values?

Tachycardia

Hypotension

Tachypnea

Fever

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A: Tachycardia

Tachycardia, defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. When the heart beats too quickly, it may not fill with enough blood between beats, leading to reduced perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. However, while tachycardia can influence the readings, it is not the most significant factor compared to hypotension.

Choice B: Hypotension

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, significantly impacts pulse oximetry accuracy. When blood pressure is low, there is reduced perfusion to peripheral tissues, including the extremities where pulse oximeters are typically placed. This reduced perfusion can lead to inaccurate readings, as the device may not detect sufficient blood flow to measure oxygen saturation accurately. Hypotension is a critical factor that can alter pulse oximetry values, making it the most relevant choice.

Choice C: Tachypnea

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can affect oxygen levels in the blood but does not directly interfere with the pulse oximeter’s ability to measure oxygen saturation. While it indicates respiratory distress and can lead to hypoxemia, the pulse oximeter can still provide accurate readings unless accompanied by other factors like low perfusion.

Choice D: Fever

Fever can cause peripheral vasodilation, which might theoretically affect pulse oximetry readings by altering blood flow to the extremities. However, this effect is generally minimal compared to the impact of hypotension. Fever alone is unlikely to cause significant inaccuracies in pulse oximetry measurements.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Weigh the client daily: While monitoring weight is important for clients with Addison’s disease, it is not the primary action to prevent an Addisonian crisis. Daily weight monitoring helps track fluid balance and detect any sudden changes that might indicate complications, but it does not directly address the hormonal imbalance that characterizes Addisonian crisis.

Choice B Reason:

Restrict food intake: Restricting food intake is not recommended for clients with Addison’s disease. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health. Clients with Addison’s disease need a balanced diet to manage their condition effectively. Restricting food intake could lead to malnutrition and exacerbate symptoms.

Choice C Reason:

Administer oral corticosteroids: This is the correct action. Addison’s disease is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Administering oral corticosteroids helps replace the deficient hormones and manage the symptoms of Addison’s disease. During an Addisonian crisis, immediate administration of corticosteroids is critical to prevent severe complications such as shock, coma, or even death.

Choice D Reason:

Provide a low carbohydrate diet: A low carbohydrate diet is not specifically recommended for clients with Addison’s disease. Instead, a balanced diet that includes adequate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is essential. Carbohydrates are important for maintaining energy levels, especially since clients with Addison’s disease may experience fatigue and weakness. Restricting carbohydrates could lead to low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for these clients.

A. You may bring some music to listen to for distraction. B. Do not take any sedatives 12 to 24 hours before the test. C. You will need to have someone to drive you home. D. Please do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: You May Bring Some Music to Listen to for Distraction

Bringing music for distraction is generally not a standard instruction given before an EEG. While listening to music might help some patients relax, it is not a critical part of the preparation for the test. The primary focus of EEG preparation is to ensure accurate readings of brain activity, which can be influenced by various factors such as medication and sleep.

Choice B: Do Not Take Any Sedatives 12 to 24 Hours Before the Test

Avoiding sedatives before an EEG is crucial because these medications can alter brain activity and affect the test results. Sedatives can suppress the electrical activity in the brain, leading to inaccurate readings. Therefore, it is essential for patients to avoid taking any sedatives 12 to 24 hours before the test to ensure the EEG captures the brain’s natural activity.

Choice C: You Will Need to Have Someone to Drive You Home

This instruction is typically given if the patient is expected to be sedated or if the test involves procedures that might impair their ability to drive. However, for a standard EEG, patients are usually not sedated, and there is no need for someone to drive them home. This instruction is more relevant for other types of medical procedures that involve sedation.

Choice D: Please Do Not Have Anything to Eat or Drink After Midnight

Fasting is not a standard requirement for an EEG. Patients are generally allowed to eat and drink before the test. However, they are often advised to avoid caffeine as it can affect brain activity. The instruction to avoid food and drink after midnight is more commonly associated with procedures that require anesthesia or sedation, not an EEG.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has Addison’s disease and is at risk for Addisonian crisis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with a history of seizures is scheduled for an electroencephalogram (EEG). Which instruction does the nurse give the client before the test?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?

A nurse in a PACU is assessing a client who has a newly created colostomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The nurse is caring for a client who had a hemorrhagic stroke. Which assessment finding is the earliest sign of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) for this client?

A nurse is collecting a medication history from a client who is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following medications taken by the client interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury?

The nurse is caring for a client recovering from an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Which of the following client symptoms would require further nursing assessment?

What does the nurse recognize as clinical manifestations consistent with ascites? Select all that apply.

A male client was admitted with a left-sided stroke this morning. The assistive personnel asks about meeting the client’s nutritional needs. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A postoperative client following a thyroidectomy suddenly develops difficulty breathing, stridor, and an increase in swelling of the anterior neck area. What should the nurse do first?