The nurse is assessing a post-operative client and notices that the client's urine is brown and they are experiencing muscle rigidity. The vital signs are T: 102.5 F; HR: 112; RR: 20 and BP 124/84. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
Give the ordered dose of dantrolene.
Call the physician for an order for metoprolol.
Increase the rate of lactated Ringer's.
Ask the physician to order liver function tests.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Dantrolene is used in the management of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening complication characterized by muscle rigidity and elevated temperature, often triggered by certain anesthetics. The patient's symptoms of muscle rigidity and brown urine, which may indicate myoglobinuria, along with elevated temperature and heart rate, are suggestive of this condition. Dantrolene acts by reducing calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle, thereby reducing muscle contraction and metabolic demand.
Choice B Reason:
Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, is not the first-line treatment for symptoms suggestive of malignant hyperthermia. While it can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, it does not address the underlying pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia and is not indicated in this scenario.
Choice C Reason:
Increasing the rate of lactated Ringer's solution is not the primary intervention for malignant hyperthermia. While maintaining hydration is important, it does not directly counteract the pathophysiological processes at play in malignant hyperthermia.
Choice D Reason:
While liver function tests can be important in assessing overall organ function post-operatively, they are not the immediate priority in a suspected case of malignant hyperthermia. The priority is to treat the acute and life-threatening symptoms first.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Hyperreflexia refers to an overactive or overresponsive reflexes, which is a neurological condition and not directly related to the behaviors described. It is typically seen in conditions affecting the central nervous system and is not characterized by the inability to wait turns or interrupting conversations.
Choice B Reason
Defiance implies a conscious choice to resist authority or rules, which may not necessarily be the case here. While children with behavioral issues may exhibit defiant behaviors, the symptoms described are more indicative of a lack of impulse control rather than a deliberate choice to defy.
Choice C Reason
Inattention is a component of several behavioral and cognitive disorders, including ADHD. However, the behaviors described—blurting out answers, inability to wait for turns, and interrupting others—are more specifically associated with impulsivity rather than inattention alone.
Choice D Reason
Impulsivity is the tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences. The behaviors described—such as blurting out answers and interrupting others—are classic signs of impulsivity, which is often seen in conditions like ADHD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Providing information about available community resources is crucial for ongoing support and assistance. These resources can offer counseling, medical follow-up, legal advice, and other services that may be needed after such a traumatic event. Community resources play a vital role in the recovery process, offering a network of support and specialized services tailored to the needs of sexual assault survivors.
Choice B reason:
While it is important to know when to return to the ED for follow-up care, this is typically not the primary content of discharge instructions. Follow-up care is usually managed by primary care providers or specialists rather than the ED unless there are specific complications or concerns that need to be addressed immediately.
Choice C reason:
The names and phone numbers of local attorneys may be provided, but this is not standard for all discharge instructions. Legal support is important, but the immediate focus post-discharge is often on the survivor's physical and emotional well-being. Attorneys specializing in defending rape victims can be a part of the community resources provided to the survivor.
Choice D reason:
The phone number of a battered women's shelter or safe house may be included in discharge instructions, especially if there is an immediate need for safe accommodation. However, this is not the only resource that should be provided, and it is not specific to all cases of sexual assault.
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