The nurse is caring for a client in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) who underwent a thoracotomy two hours ago. The nurse observes vital signs of a heart rate of 140 beats/minute, a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/minute, and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Administer IV fluid bolus as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Medicate for pain and monitor vital signs according to protocol.

Encourage the client to splint the incision with a pillow to cough and deep breathe.

Apply oxygen at 10 L/minute via non-rebreather mask and monitor pulse oximeter.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Administer IV fluid bolus as prescribed by the healthcare provider is not the priority unless there is evidence of hypovolemia or shock, which isn't indicated by the current vital signs alone.

B. Medicate for pain and monitor vital signs according to protocol is the most important intervention. The client's elevated heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are likely due to inadequate pain control following a thoracotomy, a major surgical procedure known for causing significant postoperative pain. Managing the pain is crucial because uncontrolled pain can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in tachycardia, hypertension, and tachypnea. Addressing the pain effectively will help stabilize these vital signs.

C. Encourage the client to splint the incision with a pillow to cough and deep breathe is an important postoperative intervention to prevent complications such as atelectasis, but it should be done after pain is adequately controlled, as pain can inhibit the ability to deep breathe and cough effectively.

D. Apply oxygen at 10 L/minute via non-rebreather mask and monitor pulse oximeter may be necessary if there are signs of hypoxia. However, the vital sign changes here are more likely related to pain rather than respiratory distress, making pain management the immediate priority.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Restricting protein intake is often recommended for clients with glomerulonephritis to reduce the workload on the kidneys and decrease proteinuria. This can help slow the progression of kidney damage.

B. Increasing intake of high-fiber foods may be beneficial for overall health but is not specifically indicated for glomerulonephritis management.

C. Limiting oral fluid intake to 500 mL/day is not appropriate for most clients and may lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate kidney dysfunction.

D. Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods may be contraindicated in some cases of glomerulonephritis, especially if the client has hyperkalemia. Dietary potassium restriction may be necessary depending on the client's lab values and kidney function.

A. Increase IV fluids to 150 mL/hr B. Monitor for adverse reaction to antibiotics C. Repeat CD4+ T-cell count STAT D. Initiate airborne isolation E. Administer antiemetic

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A. This intervention is likely to be ordered due to the patient's fever and elevated heart rate, which may suggest dehydration or the need for increased fluid intake to support hemodynamic stability and mitigate the effects of fever and potential dehydration from fever and nausea.

B. Given the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia, the patient will likely be on or start antibiotics specific to this infection, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Monitoring for adverse reactions is crucial, especially in a newly diagnosed HIV- positive patient who might be starting multiple new medications.
C. While it is important to monitor CD4 counts in HIV-positive patients to guide treatment decisions, repeating the CD4 count immediately might not be prioritized unless there are specific clinical changes that suggest a rapid decline in immune function. Given the recent test results showing a CD4 count of 443 cells/mm^3, immediate retesting might not be clinically justified unless guided by other symptoms or considerations not detailed here.
D. Pneumocystis pneumonia does not require airborne isolation as it is not typically contagious between people under normal circumstances. Instead, it arises as an opportunistic infection in individuals with weakened immune systems. Hence, this order would not be appropriate unless there were other infections suspected that require such precautions.
E. The patient reports severe nausea, which not only is distressing but can also prevent the patient from taking oral medications and maintain necessary nutrition. Administering an antiemetic can help manage this symptom effectively.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is teaching a client with glomerulonephritis about self care. Which dietary recommendation should the nurse encourage the client to follow?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Patient Data Exhibits What order(s) should the nurse anticipate being prescribed after an update is reported to the healthcare providers? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Patient Data. Exhibits Complete the following sentences by choosing from the lists of corresponding options. Based on history and assessment data, the nurse should prioritize dropdown as the priority problem for this client, as evidenced by the client's statement, dropdown.

Which dietary instruction is most important for the nurse to explain to a client who has had gastric bypass surgery?

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