The nurse is assessing a client in the post-anesthesia care unit. The client's vital signs are T 98°F, P 106, R 24, and BP 88/40. The client is awake and oriented x 3 and the skin is pale and damp. The client denies complaints of pain. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
Start an IV of DSNS with 40 mEq KCI at 125 mL/hr
Elevate the feet and lower the head
Call the surgeon and report the vital signs
Monitor the vital signs every 15 minutes
The Correct Answer is B
A. Start an IV of DSNS with 40 mEq KCI at 125 mL/hr: Starting an IV is important but may not be the immediate first step. The client's symptoms suggest hypotension, likely due to hypovolemia, which needs immediate positional intervention before fluid administration.
B. Elevate the feet and lower the head: This position, known as the Trendelenburg position, helps increase venous return to the heart and can quickly improve blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. It is an immediate intervention for hypotension.
C. Call the surgeon and report the vital signs: While important, calling the surgeon is not the first intervention. Immediate action to stabilize the client's condition is necessary before notifying the healthcare provider.
D. Monitor the vital signs every 15 minutes: Monitoring is important, but it is not an immediate intervention. The nurse must first address the client's low blood pressure and symptoms of hypoperfusion before continuing regular monitoring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Low-grade fever: A low-grade fever could indicate an infection or other complications related to TPN or bowel surgery, and it is crucial to report this to the healthcare provider.
B. Fatigue: While fatigue is a common symptom, it is less urgent compared to a potential infection.
C. Anorexia: Anorexia is a concern but is not as immediate as a fever.
D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: This is expected after extensive bowel surgery and may not be as urgent as signs of infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Midazolam (Versed): This is a benzodiazepine used for sedation. It is not typically used in the post-anesthesia care unit unless there is a need for additional sedation or anxiolysis, which is not indicated based on the scenario.
B. Naloxone (Narcan): This is the correct choice. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. If the vital signs indicate respiratory depression or decreased oxygen saturation potentially due to opioid medications used during surgery, naloxone would be administered.
C. Atropine (Atropen): This medication is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and is not typically indicated based on vital signs trends without specific symptoms.
D. Dantrolene (Dantrium): This medication is used to treat malignant hyperthermia, a rare but serious condition often triggered by certain anesthetics. It would be indicated if there were signs of this condition, such as a high fever and muscle rigidity, which is not mentioned in the scenario.
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