Exhibits
Click to highlight the assessment findings that require IMMEDIATE follow-up by the nurse.
The client is a 68-year-old with a history of diabetes, hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), and recently diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ERSD). She has been on hemodialysis three times a week for one month and presents to the emergency department (ED) with:
- Fatigue
- Generalized weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling sensation in her arms and legs
- Lightheadedness
She also reports having missed her scheduled dialysis for the past 2 days, coupled with complaints of nausea, poor appetite, and an inability to attend the dialysis sessions.
Initial Vital Signs:
- Blood Pressure: 146/82 mmHg
- Heart Rate: 114 bpm
- Respiratory Rate: 18 bpm
- SpO₂: 98% on room air
- Temperature: 98.2 °F (36.8 °C) orally
Muscle cramps
Tingling sensation in her arms and legs
Lightheadedness
Fatigue
68-year-old with a history of diabetes, hypertension
Blood Pressure: 146/82 mmHg
Heart Rate: 114 bpm
Temperature: 98.2 °F
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
The assessment findings that require immediate follow-up by the nurse are: muscle cramps, tingling sensation in arms and legs, and lightheadedness.
These are signs of electrolyte imbalance, which can be caused by missed dialysis sessions, dehydration, or infection. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, or coma.
The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and cardiac rhythm, and notify the physician for further orders. The nurse should also assess the client's fluid status, hydration, and nutritional intake, and provide education on the importance of adhering to the dialysis schedule and dietary restrictions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While completing a thorough room search to remove potential self-harming objects is important, it should follow the immediate need for monitoring and intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Providing time alone in the client's room may not be appropriate when the client is exhibiting signs of distress and increased risk.
Choice C rationale:
Closely monitoring the client and having staff intervene as needed (Choice C) is the most important intervention in this situation. Clients with a history of self-mutilation who display signs of increased tension and agitation may be at higher risk for engaging in self-harming behaviors. Close observation and intervention can help prevent self-harm and ensure the client's safety.
Choice D rationale:
Giving firm, consistent expectations is important in the overall care plan but may not be effective in acute situations where immediate monitoring and intervention are required.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A five-pound weight gain in a client taking lithium carbonate is significant. however, the timeframe of the weightgain is to be known.Choice B rationale:
Nausea and vomiting are known side effects of lithium that should be reported as they can cause electrolyte imbalance.
Choice C rationale:
Short-term memory loss is a potential side effect of lithium, but it may not require immediate reporting unless it significantly affects the client's daily functioning or is associated with other concerning symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
A depressed affect is a symptom that should be addressed as part of the client's ongoing psychiatric care, but it may not warrant immediate reporting unless it is severe and requires a change in the treatment plan. The priority in this case is the potential lithium toxicity indicated by the weight gain.
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