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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Cocaine is a stimulant and typically leads to increased heart rate (tachycardia) and respiratory rate (tachypnea). Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) would be atypical findings with cocaine use.
Choice B rationale:
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that typically produces effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, stimulation, euphoria, and dilated pupils. These physiological and psychological effects are common when someone has used cocaine.
Choice C rationale:
While cocaine use can cause hallucinations and paranoia during intoxication or withdrawal, these symptoms are not typically the primary manifestations. The most common initial effects are stimulation and increased alertness.
Hallucinations and delusions may occur with substance use, but they are not the most expected or specific findings for cocaine use.
Choice D rationale:
Cocaine use is associated with increased energy, euphoria, and heightened arousal. Lethargy and depression are more likely during the comedown phase or withdrawal from cocaine, rather than immediately after use.
Correct Answer is ["E","F","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This order is useful to evaluate the client's electrolyte levels, renal function, and acid-base balance, as she has ERSD and missed her dialysis session. She may have hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, or uremia, which can affect her cardiac and neurological status.
Choice B rationale:
This order is helpful to assess the client's cardiac structure and function, as she has a history of CAD and HTN and may have developed heart failure or valvular disease.
Choice C rationale:
This order is beneficial to rule out any intra-abdominal causes of the client's nausea and poor appetite, such as infection, obstruction, or bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
This order is necessary to identify any possible source of infection or sepsis, as the client has been ill for 3 days and has a history of diabetes, which can impair her immune system.
Choice E rationale:
This order is important to assess the client's cardiac and pulmonary status, as she has a history of CAD and is presenting with chest discomfort and lightheadedness, which could indicate a cardiac event or pulmonary edema.
Choice F rationale:
This order is essential to monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm, as she has a history of CAD and HTN and is at risk for arrhythmias, ischemia, and infarction.
Choice G rationale:
This order is important to evaluate the client's hematological status, as she has ERSD and may have anemia, leukocytosis, or thrombocytopenia.
Choice H rationale:
This order is crucial to obtain a baseline of the client's cardiac electrical activity and to detect any signs of acute coronary syndrome, such as ST-segment elevation or depression, T wave inversion, or Q waves.
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