Patient Data
Review H and P and nurse's notes.
Click to highlight which assessment finding(s) should the nurse attend to right away?
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 D
Explanation
A. Ask the chaplain to discuss death issues with the client: While spiritual support may be helpful, this does not address the client’s expressed conflict about continuing treatment to satisfy his family’s wishes.
B. Notify the family that treatments have been discontinued: The nurse cannot make the decision to discontinue treatments without the client’s and healthcare provider’s input. This would be outside the nurse’s scope of authority.
C. Request a consultation with the hospital social worker: Although a social worker can help with emotional support and end-of-life planning, the immediate concern is facilitating open communication between the client, family, and healthcare team about the client’s wishes.
D. Arrange a meeting with the family, healthcare provider, and client: This action supports the client’s autonomy and ensures his wishes are heard. It also promotes collaborative decision-making about continuing or stopping treatment, aligning care with the client’s goals and values.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Absent sounds: Absent bowel sounds are abnormal and may indicate an ileus, obstruction, or decreased intestinal motility, requiring further assessment.
B. Pain: Pain elicited during percussion is not a normal finding and may indicate underlying pathology such as inflammation, infection, or organ enlargement.
C. Musical and drumlike: Tympany, which produces a musical, drumlike sound during percussion, is a normal finding over air-filled structures in the abdomen. It indicates the presence of gas in the stomach and intestines, reflecting normal gastrointestinal function.
D. Tenderness: Tenderness on percussion is abnormal and may suggest inflammation, infection, or other abdominal pathology requiring further evaluation.
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