The nurse assesses an adult client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds the client's blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg. The client is tachycardiac, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse perform first?
Ensure the IV solution is infusing at the prescribed rate.
Listen to lung sounds.
Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.
Check under the back for evidence of bleeding.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Ensuring that the IV solution is infusing at the prescribed rate is an important task to maintain adequate fluid and electrolyte balance, especially if the client is experiencing signs of shock or low blood pressure. However, this action alone does not address the immediate need to assess or intervene for potential critical issues such as bleeding or severe hemodynamic instability.
B. Listening to lung sounds can help assess for pulmonary complications, such as fluid accumulation or atelectasis, which can be relevant postoperatively. However, in the context of hypotension, tachycardia, and altered mental status, the priority is to address potential critical issues related to circulatory stability and bleeding.
C. It is essential to inform the healthcare provider of the client's condition, but this should be done after initial interventions to stabilize the client. This action is necessary but not the first priority.
D. The first action should be to check for any signs of bleeding, especially after abdominal surgery where internal bleeding is a possibility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This directly indicates that the lithotripsy procedure was successful in breaking down the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed through the urinary tract.
B. While the absence of these symptoms is a positive sign, it does not directly confirm the success of the lithotripsy procedure. These symptoms can be present even if the stone has been broken down.
C. Pale pink urine is expected after lithotripsy due to minor bleeding. The absence of blood clots is also a good sign, but it doesn't definitively confirm the procedure's success.
D. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are within normal limits. These lab values are important indicators of kidney function but do not directly relate to the success of the lithotripsy procedure itself.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. A hematocrit of 33% is lower than the normal range (42% to 52% for males and 37% to 47% for females). While this indicates anemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, it is not directly related to the risk for infection.
B. White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for the immune system and fighting infections. A WBC count of 1,500/mm³ is significantly below the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³). This low WBC count, also known as leukopenia, indicates a decreased ability to fight infections, making the client highly susceptible to infections.
C. Hemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is below the normal range (14 to 18 g/dL), indicating anemia. While anemia affects overall health and can contribute to fatigue and weakness, it does not directly indicate the risk for infection.
D. The red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells in the blood. A count of 3.5 x 10^12/L is below the normal range (4.2 to 5.4 x 10^12/L), indicating a reduction in red blood cells and anemia. Like low hemoglobin, this value indicates anemia but does not directly reflect the risk for infection.
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.
