The nurse identifies several nursing problems for an older adult client with gastroenteritis who is experiencing fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea.
The client has a history of a stroke with left-sided hemiplegia and is dependent on care provided by the spouse. Which problem should the nurse determine has the highest priority?
Fluid volume deficit.
Impaired bed mobility.
Caregiver role strain.
Bowel incontinence.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
In a client with gastroenteritis experiencing fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea, fluid volume deficit is a major concern. Diarrhea and fever can both lead to significant fluid loss. If not addressed, fluid volume deficit can lead to serious complications such as hypovolemic shock.
Choice B rationale
While impaired bed mobility may be a concern due to the client’s history of stroke, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The immediate physiological needs related to the client’s gastroenteritis and potential fluid volume deficit should be addressed first.
Choice C rationale
Caregiver role strain may be a concern given that the client is dependent on care provided by the spouse. However, this psychosocial issue is not the highest priority when the client is experiencing acute physical symptoms that need immediate attention.
Choice D rationale
Bowel incontinence could be a concern for a client with gastroenteritis. However, the risk of fluid volume deficit due to diarrhea and fever is a more immediate concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
After a gastric endoscopy, it’s common for patients to experience a sore throat. This is due to the passage of the endoscope through the throat during the procedure. The discomfort is usually temporary and can be relieved with lozenges or gargling with warm salt water.
Choice B rationale
While headaches can occur after procedures that involve sedation, they are not commonly associated with gastric endoscopy specifically. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor for headaches, they are not a typical post-procedure problem following a gastric endoscopy.
Choice C rationale
Aching legs are not a common problem following a gastric endoscopy. The procedure primarily involves the upper gastrointestinal tract, and does not directly affect the legs.
Choice D rationale
Nausea can occur after a gastric endoscopy, but it is more commonly associated with the sedation used during the procedure rather than the procedure itself. If nausea does occur, it can be managed with antiemetic medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
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