Patient Data

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is stable for discharge.

The client has rested well throughout the night with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device in place. Sequential devices are in place for venous thromboembolism prevention. The client ambulated 100 yards (91 meters) last night and 200 yards (183 meters) this morning. She reports pain rating of 2 on 0 to 10 scale, located in the abdomen, described as aching. She has tolerated fluids throughout the night with no nausea or vomiting.

Assessment findings

Neurological Alert and oriented times 4.

Cardiovascular WNL.

Respiratory WNL.

Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Voided twice throughout night, urine clear amber in appearance. Reports no dysuria. No bowel movement but the client is passing gas.

Integumentary 4 abdominal incisions from laparoscopic procedure sealed with surgical glue. No drainage, redness, or edema present.

Musculoskeletal Reported chronic knee pain. 5+ strength in bilateral upper extremities, 5+ strength in bilateral lower extremities.

The correct answer is: c. Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles.

Choice A: Average urine output of 28 mL/hour

Reason: The normal urine output for an adult is typically 0.5 mL/kg/hr, which translates to about 30-50 mL/hr for most adults. An average urine output of 28 mL/hour is slightly below this range, indicating possible inadequate fluid resuscitation. However, it is not immediately life-threatening and does not warrant the most urgent intervention compared to other options.

Choice B: Vesicular bibasilar breath sounds

Reason: Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over most of the lung fields. They are soft and low-pitched, indicating that the airways are clear. Therefore, vesicular bibasilar breath sounds do not indicate any immediate respiratory distress or fluid overload and do not require urgent intervention.

Choice C: Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles

Reason: Crackles, also known as rales, are abnormal lung sounds that indicate the presence of fluid in the alveoli. Bilateral crackles heard during both inspiration and expiration suggest significant pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.

Choice D: Central venous pressure of 12 mm Hg

Reason: The normal range for central venous pressure (CVP) is 2-8 mm Hg. A CVP of 12 mm Hg is elevated, indicating possible fluid overload or heart failure. While this is concerning and requires monitoring, it is not as immediately critical as bilateral crackles, which directly affect oxygenation and respiratory function.

Choice A reason: Glaucoma is not directly related to the administration of lidocaine, as it does not affect intraocular pressure or the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

Choice B reason: Heart block is a type of arrhythmia where the electrical signal is delayed or blocked entirely. Since lidocaine affects cardiac conduction, it is crucial to review the medical record for heart block before administration.

Choice C reason: Gastric ulcers are not typically a concern when administering lidocaine, as it does not have gastrointestinal effects when given parenterally.

Choice D reason: Diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for lidocaine administration; however, monitoring blood glucose levels is always important in diabetic patients receiving any medication.