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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

Explanation

The rationale for selecting impaired gas exchange is based on the clinical manifestations presented by the client. The client's difficulty in breathing, the need to pause to catch breath, the ineffectiveness of the rescue inhaler, and the expressed feeling of nervousness during episodes are indicative of a compromised gas exchange. This is further supported by the objective data: an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air is below normal levels, suggesting that the client is not receiving adequate oxygen. Expiratory wheezes indicate an obstruction of airflow, commonly seen in asthma attacks, which can impair gas exchange. Therefore, the nurse's assessment and the client's symptoms align with the diagnosis of impaired gas exchange, necessitating immediate intervention to improve the client's respiratory function.

A. Start two large bore IV catheters and review inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy. B. Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping. C. Verify prescribed laboratory tests include prothrombin time and platelet count. D. Maintain elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Starting two large bore IV catheters and reviewing inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is essential in the immediate management of a client with sudden, severe headache and neurological deficits suggestive of stroke. Time- sensitive interventions, such as IV fibrinolytic therapy, may be indicated if the client meets criteria for treatment.

B. Administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping is contraindicated in the acute management of a suspected stroke until hemorrhagic stroke is ruled out.

C. Verifying prescribed laboratory tests include prothrombin time and platelet count is important for assessing coagulation status, but it is not the immediate intervention needed in this situation.

D. Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on the affected side is not the priority intervention in the acute management of a suspected stroke.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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