The nurse is continuing to care for the adolescent.
Provider Prescriptions 1415:
X-ray of right leg shows open fracture of the right proximal tibia
Surgery consult
Morphine 4 mg IV every 2 hr as needed for pain.
The nurse is preparing the adolescent for the fasciotomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider prior to surgery?
The adolescent's parents have concerns regarding the surgery
The adolescent's blood pressure is 131/89 mm Hg
The adolescent reports severe pain
The adolescent has not voided in 4 hr
The Correct Answer is A
The adolescent has not voided in 4 hr.
Rationale:
- A. The nurse should not address the parents' concerns and provide education and support, but refer the concerns to the provider to address the concerns about the surgical procedure.
- B. The adolescent's blood pressure is 131/89 mm Hg. This is not a correct answer because this blood pressure is within the normal range for an adolescent and does not indicate any complications or adverse effects from the injury or medication.
- C. The adolescent reports severe pain. This is not a correct answer because the nurse should administer morphine as prescribed for pain relief, but this is not a priority finding that requires immediate intervention or reporting to the provider. The nurse should also monitor the adolescent's pain level and response to medication, and use nonpharmacological methods to reduce pain and anxiety.
- D. Although this may raise concerns about renal injury, it is no a contraindication or cause for delay for the emergency surgical procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Incorrect. Obtaining capillary blood glucose level every 2 hr is appropriate for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus, but it does not address the ankle injury.
- B. Incorrect. Checking the neurovascular status of the client's lower extremities every hour is important for a client who has an ankle injury, but it does not require clarification with the provider.
- C. Correct. Applying a cold pack to the client's ankle for 30 min every hour can reduce swelling and inflammation, but it can also impair circulation and increase the risk of tissue damage in a client who has diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before implementing it.
- D. Incorrect. Maintaining the affected ankle elevated and immobilized can help prevent further injury and promote healing, but it does not require clarification with the provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.
Choice D rationale:
Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.
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