Patient Data
Review H and P and nurse's notes.
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Admitted client.
Vital signs
Temperature: 96.9° F (36.1° C) internal probe via urinary catheter
Heart rate: 128 beats/minute, sinus tachycardia (ST)
Respirations: 14 breaths/minute
Patient Data
Blood pressure: 90/79 mm Hg, pulse pressure less than 40 mm Hg
Oxygen saturation: 100% on 40% fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
The client's surgical dressing is clean and dry. Ecchymosis noted on the abdomen around the dressing. The client has a PIV line in the right forearm and one in the left hand. The client also has a right subclavian central venous catheter that is infusing propofol and intravenous fluids. Heart sounds are regular. The skin is pink. Capillary refill is 6 seconds. Radial pulses are equal bilaterally. Lung sounds are clear and equal bilaterally. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter in place. No urine noted. The client has no visitors at this time. The social worker is attempting to contact family members. The client opens her eyes to verbal stimuli and follows verbal commands.
Heart rate: 128 beats/minute, sinus tachycardia (ST)
Blood pressure: 90/79 mm Hg, pulse pressure less than 40 mm Hg
The client's surgical dressing is clean and dry
Ecchymosis noted on the abdomen around the dressing.
Heart sounds are regular.
Capillary refill is 6 seconds.
The client has an indwelling urinary catheter in place. No urine noted.
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","F","G"]
Rationale for correct choices
• Heart rate 128 beats/minute, sinus tachycardia: Tachycardia signals early compensatory response to hypovolemia or hemorrhagic shock, common with abdominal trauma. Immediate attention is needed to prevent cardiovascular collapse.
• Blood pressure 90/79 mm Hg, pulse pressure less than 40 mm Hg: A narrow pulse pressure with low systolic BP suggests inadequate stroke volume and poor perfusion, consistent with ongoing internal bleeding.
• Capillary refill 6 seconds: Prolonged refill indicates impaired peripheral perfusion and circulatory compromise, reinforcing concerns of shock.
• No urine output: Absence of urine is a critical marker of inadequate renal perfusion and systemic hypoperfusion, reflecting worsening shock status.
Rationale for incorrect choices
• Temperature 96.9° F (36.1° C): Slightly low but not critical; mild hypothermia is common post-trauma and can be managed after stabilizing perfusion.
• Surgical dressing clean/dry with ecchymosis: Ecchymosis is expected after trauma and surgery, requiring monitoring but not immediate intervention.
• Heart sounds regular, lung sounds clear: No acute cardiopulmonary decompensation detected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Tolerance: Tolerance refers to the need for increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect. The client is not describing a need for more alcohol, but rather a desire for it, so tolerance is not the main concept.
B. Craving: Craving is an intense desire or urge to use a substance despite awareness of negative consequences. The client’s statement about missing late-night wine reflects a psychological and physiological urge, making craving the most appropriate concept to discuss.
C. Withdrawal: Withdrawal involves physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops using a substance. The client reports feeling fine physically, indicating withdrawal is not occurring.
D. Denial: Denial is a defense mechanism in which the person refuses to acknowledge a problem. The client openly admits missing alcohol, so denial is not applicable in this context.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Complete blood count: A CBC is essential to evaluate hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, which can indicate the severity of blood loss from abdominal trauma. It also helps monitor for anemia or infection risk in this critical setting.
B. Arterial blood gas: An ABG provides information about oxygenation, ventilation, and acid–base balance, which are crucial for a trauma client on mechanical ventilation. It guides adjustments in ventilator settings and assesses for shock-related metabolic acidosis.
C. Type and screen: Given the evidence of internal bleeding and hypotension, a blood transfusion may be necessary. A type and screen ensures blood products can be matched and made available quickly in case of massive transfusion.
D. Coagulation studies: Trauma and massive transfusion can lead to coagulopathy. PT, INR, and aPTT results help guide interventions such as plasma or platelet administration, ensuring proper clotting function during surgery and recovery.
E. Electrolytes: Monitoring electrolytes is important because fluid resuscitation, blood loss, and shock can cause significant imbalances, such as hypokalemia or metabolic derangements, which can complicate management.
F. Blood culture: Blood cultures are obtained when infection or sepsis is suspected. This client’s presentation is acute trauma-related hemorrhage, not infection, so this test is not immediately useful.
G. Urine osmolality: This test is used to evaluate renal concentrating ability and fluid balance, but it is not a priority in acute trauma. Immediate fluid and blood replacement are the focus.
H. Lipid panel: A lipid panel assesses long-term cardiovascular risk, not acute trauma or hemorrhage. It has no role in the immediate plan of care for this client.
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