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Patient Data

History and Physical

The client is a 22-year-old female with a history of asthma. She was diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms at ages 14 and 16. She denies smoking but drinks alcohol 1 to 2 times a week. She reports taking edible marijuana to relieve severe premenstrual symptoms. She came to the emergency department when she started having difficulty breathing on a hike. She took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve. The client’s friend called an ambulance when they noticed her distress.

Nurses’ Notes

The client is admitted to the medical floor. She has mild subcostal retractions and is sitting in an upright position. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. The client is pale. She has strong peripheral pulses that are equal bilaterally.

Vital Signs

Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 91% on room air.

Click to highlight the assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse.

A.

diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations

B.

reports taking edible marijuana

C.

started having difficulty breathing on a hike

D.

took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve

E.

mild subcostal retractions

F.

Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields

G.

client is pale

H.

heart rate is 122 beats/minute

I.

blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg

J.

oxygen saturation 91% on room air

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F","G","H","J"]

Based on the provided information, the following assessment findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse:

  • Difficulty breathing on a hike: This is a significant symptom of asthma exacerbation and needs immediate attention.
  • Symptoms did not resolve after taking albuterol: Albuterol is a quick-relief medication for asthma symptoms. If symptoms do not improve after its use, it indicates that the asthma exacerbation is severe.
  • Mild subcostal retractions: This is a sign of respiratory distress and indicates that the client is using accessory muscles to breathe.
  • Wheezes noted throughout the lung fields: Wheezing is a common sign of asthma and indicates airway obstruction.
  • The client is pale: Paleness can be a sign of decreased oxygenation.
  • Heart rate of 122 beats/minute: A high heart rate can be a sign of distress or could be due to the body’s attempt to compensate for decreased oxygenation.
  • Oxygen saturation of 91% on room air: Normal oxygen saturation is typically 95% or higher. A saturation of 91% indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While a headache with sudden onset can be a symptom of various conditions, it is not the most critical finding to report in a client with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate.

Choice B rationale

Flat jugular vein distention (JVD) at 45 degrees is not the most critical finding to report in a client with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate.

Choice C rationale

An abnormal level of consciousness can be a sign of decreased cerebral perfusion, which can occur in a client with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate. This is a critical finding that should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice D rationale

Nausea with vomiting is not the most critical finding to report in a client with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks can be a healthy dietary change, it is not directly related to the patient’s reported symptoms of severe pain and inability to bear weight on the right ankle.

Choice B rationale

Avoiding the consumption of wine, beer, and coffee can have various health benefits, but it is not directly related to the patient’s current symptoms. Furthermore, there is no indication in the patient’s history that these beverages are contributing to the patient’s condition.

Choice C rationale

Using an electric heating pad when pain is at its worst can provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue causing the pain. Additionally, heat therapy is not typically recommended for acute gout attacks, which could be a potential cause of the patient’s symptoms given their history of gouty arthritis.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging active range of motion can help to limit stiffness and improve joint function, which could potentially alleviate the patient’s pain and improve their ability to bear weight on the right ankle. This advice is relevant to the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

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