The nurse is caring for a client who is two days post-aortic-iliac bypass surgery. Which assessment finding should be reported to the surgeon immediately?
Blood pressure of 98/60.
Urine output of 40 mL/hour.
Pain rated as 5 on a 0-10 scale.
Absence of popliteal pulse.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
A blood pressure of 98/60, while on the lower side, is not necessarily alarming post-surgery unless the patient shows symptoms of hypotension or if there is a significant drop from the patient's baseline blood pressure. It is important to monitor trends in blood pressure readings rather than a single isolated measurement.
Choice B Reason:
A urine output of 40 mL/hour can be considered within normal limits post-surgery, as the expected urine output is at least 0.5 mL/kg/hr. However, it should be monitored closely to ensure that it does not decrease further, which could indicate renal complications.
Choice C Reason:
Pain rated as 5 on a 0-10 scale indicates moderate pain, which is expected post-surgery. Pain management should be continued as prescribed, and the patient should be reassessed regularly to ensure that the pain does not escalate.
Choice D Reason:
The absence of a popliteal pulse is a critical finding that must be reported immediately. The popliteal artery provides blood flow to the lower leg, and its absence could indicate graft occlusion or other serious circulatory issues, which could lead to limb-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weekly aerobic exercise at a gym is generally beneficial for joint health and is not a predisposing factor for osteoarthritis. Regular physical activity helps maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall health, which can actually help prevent the development of osteoarthritis.
Choice B Reason:
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and a deficiency can lead to changes in bone structure and strength, potentially contributing to the development and progression of osteoarthritis.
Choice C Reason:
A weight of less than 60 kg does not typically predispose an individual to osteoarthritis. In fact, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis, as excess body weight can increase the stress on joints.
Choice D Reason:
Trauma can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which is a form of osteoarthritis that develops after an injury to a joint. Traumatic injuries can damage the cartilage and bone, leading to degenerative changes and osteoarthritis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that may be prescribed during COPD exacerbations to treat or prevent infection. A white blood cell count of 16,000 u/L indicates an elevated level, which could be a response to infection. Therefore, ceftriaxone would be appropriate, and there is no need to question this medication based on the white blood cell count.
Choice B Reason
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prophylactic treatment of asthma, and it may be used off-label for COPD. AST and ALT levels are liver enzymes, and the values provided (AST of 30 units/L and ALT of 20 units/L) are within normal ranges. Thus, there is no immediate concern regarding liver function that would prompt the nurse to question the use of zafirlukast.
Choice C Reason
Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of COPD. However, a theophylline level of 21 mg/dL is above the therapeutic range, which is generally considered to be 5-15 mg/dL. Levels above 20 mg/dL are associated with toxicity and can lead to serious side effects such as seizures or arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should question this medication due to the high theophylline level.
Choice D Reason
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used to reduce inflammation during COPD exacerbations. A glucose level of 110 mg/dL is slightly elevated but may be expected as corticosteroids can increase blood sugar levels. This would not typically be a reason to question the use of prednisone unless the patient has poorly controlled diabetes or other specific contraindications.
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