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.
diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations
reports taking edible marijuana
started having difficulty breathing on a hike
took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve
mild subcostal retractions
Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields
client is pale
heart rate is 122 beats/minute
blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg
oxygen saturation 91% on room air
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Based on the information provided, the client is most likely experiencinganorexia nervosa.This is suggested by her significant weight loss, bradycardia, hypothermia, lanugo-type hair, and her expressed fear of gaining weight despite being underweight. However, this is a preliminary assessment and a definitive diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional.
Actions the nurse should take to address this condition include:
- Acknowledge anxious feelings: It’s important to validate the client’s feelings and fears about food and weight gain.This can help build trust and facilitate further discussion about her health.
- Provide emotional support: Emotional support is crucial in managing eating disorders.The nurse can provide reassurance, listen empathetically, and encourage the client to express her feelings.
Parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress include:
- Nutritional intake: Monitoring the client’s food and fluid intake can help assess her nutritional status and response to treatment.
- Weight and BMI: Regular monitoring of the client’s weight and BMI can provide objective measures of her nutritional status and response to treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The patient vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery is crucial information that the PACU nurse should report. This could indicate a pre-existing condition or complication that needs to be addressed in the patient’s post-operative care plan.
Choice B rationale
While the patient refusing to take ice chips despite complaining of dry mouth is an important observation, it is not as critical as the patient’s pre-operative condition (vomiting for 3 days). The refusal of ice chips could be addressed through patient education and encouragement.
Choice C rationale
The presence of peripheral pulses and full range of motion in both legs is expected and normal in a post-operative patient, unless there were complications during surgery that could affect these observations. Therefore, this information, while important, is not as critical as the patient’s pre-operative condition.
Choice D rationale
The condition of the patient’s abdomen (soft, bowel sounds absent) and the absence of bleeding on the dressing are expected observations in a patient who has undergone an exploratory laparotomy. These observations, while important, do not provide additional critical information that the PACU nurse should report.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.