The nurse is assessing a client with a hypertensive emergency. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

The client reports a headache with pain at level 5 of 10

The client has epistaxis after blowing his nose several times

The client has a urine output of 120 mL over a 4 hours

The client has a new-onset blurry vision and facial asymmetry

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Among the given findings, the most important finding to report to the health care provider in a client with a hypertensive emergency is the new-onset blurry vision and facial asymmetry. These symptoms may indicate that the client is experiencing a hypertensive crisis with potential complications such as hypertensive encephalopathy or stroke.

Blurred vision and facial asymmetry are concerning neurological symptoms that suggest possible damage to the blood vessels or organs in the brain. It is crucial to notify the health care provider immediately so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications.

While the other findings may also be associated with elevated blood pressure, the new-onset blurry vision and facial asymmetry indicate possible neurological involvement and require immediate attention. Headache, epistaxis (nosebleed), and decreased urine output may be significant symptoms, but the potential neurological implications make the new-onset blurry vision and facial asymmetry the priority for reporting.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The most important finding to report to the health care provider would be the serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq. This is an extremely low potassium level (normal range is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L), which can indicate a potentially life-threatening condition called hypokalemia. Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication that can cause potassium loss in the urine, and a low potassium level can lead to serious cardiac and muscle abnormalities. It is crucial to report this finding promptly to the health care provider for appropriate intervention and monitoring.

Blood glucose level of 175 mg/dL: While an elevated blood glucose level can be a concern, especially for individuals with diabetes, it is not the most critical finding in this situation. The client's primary concern is hypertension, and the administration of IV furosemide is aimed at managing blood pressure. The elevated blood glucose level should still be addressed and monitored, but it is not as urgent as the low potassium level.

Orthostatic systolic BP decrease of 12 mm Hg: Orthostatic hypotension refers to a significant decrease in blood pressure upon standing up. While it is important to assess and manage orthostatic changes, a decrease of 12 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure alone may not be considered clinically significant. It could be a normal response for some individuals. However, if the client experiences symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, further evaluation may be necessary. Nonetheless, it is not as urgent as the low potassium level.

Current blood pressure reading of 166/94 mm Hg: While this blood pressure reading indicates hypertension, it is not the most critical finding to report in this situation. The nurse is preparing to administer furosemide (Lasix), which is a medication commonly used to treat hypertension. It is expected that the blood pressure will be high before administering the medication. The goal is to monitor the blood pressure after the administration to assess the effectiveness of the medication.

A. "My feet feel like I have pins and needles." B. "When I stand or sit too long, my feet swell." C. "My legs get a painful cramp when I walk over 30 minutes." D. "I get short of breath when I climb a lot of stairs.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The client statement that supports the information of intermittent claudication is: "My legs get a painful cramp when I walk over 30 minutes.": Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) characterized by pain, cramping, or fatigue in the muscles of the lower extremities, typically the calves, thighs, or buttocks. This pain is usually triggered by physical activity, such as walking, and is relieved with rest. The pain is caused by inadequate blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries.

The other client statements do not specifically indicate intermittent claudication:

"My feet feel like I have pins and needles": This sensation of pins and needles is often associated with peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition involving nerve damage and does not directly relate to intermittent claudication.

"When I stand or sit too long, my feet swell": This statement suggests the possibility of venous insufficiency rather than intermittent claudication. Venous insufficiency involves impaired blood return from the legs to the heart and may result in swelling, aching, or heaviness in the legs.

"I get short of breath when I climb a lot of stairs": This symptom is more indicative of cardiovascular or respiratory issues, such as heart or lung disease, rather than intermittent claudication. It suggests that the client may experience exercise intolerance due to cardiopulmonary limitations.

View Question and Answer

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

The nurse is assessing a client with a hypertensive emergency. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to administer IV furosemide (Lasix) to a client with hypertension. What is the most important finding to report to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with intermittent claudication. What client statement supports this information?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for four clients on a telemetry unit. Which nursing task would be best for the nurse to delegate to the UAP?

The nurse is discussing discharge teaching with the client who is three (3) days post-operative abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is assessing a client with a history of high blood pressure. The client's blood pressure is 210/106 mm Hg during the assessment. What follow-up question should the nurse ask?

The nurse is providing discharge education to a client with hypertension. Which essential information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

The client is diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which statement would the nurse expect the client to make during the admission assessment?

Which information is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a client newly diagnosed with hypertension?

The nurse is caring for a client in a hypertensive emergency. Which action will be included in the plan of care during hypertensive emergency who is receiving nifedipine?

The nurse is assessing a client with a presumptive diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. The nurse obtains an Ankle-Brachial index of 0.89. Which intervention should the nurse take next?