The nurse working on a medical surgical unit is assigned four clients at the start of their shift. What client should be given the highest priority?
A 47-year-old client who reports two loose stools with a serum sodium of 139 mmol/L
A 71-year-old client with a calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL and a negative Trousseau sign
A 52-year-old client with fluid volume excess and BUN of 18 mg/dL
A 60-year-old client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and heart palpitations
The Correct Answer is D
A. A 47-year-old client who reports two loose stools with a serum sodium of 139 mmol/L: Although diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances, a serum sodium level of 139 mmol/L is within normal range, so this client is not the highest priority.
B. A 71-year-old client with a calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL and a negative Trousseau sign: A calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL is slightly low but not critically low, especially with a negative Trousseau sign. This client is stable compared to others.
C. A 52-year-old client with fluid volume excess and BUN of 18 mg/dL: A BUN of 18 mg/dL indicates mild elevation, and fluid volume excess can be managed with adjustments in treatment; this client does not require immediate priority.
D. A 60-year-old client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and heart palpitations: A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues and symptoms like palpitations. This client requires urgent attention to address the potential risk of cardiac complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 10% dextrose in water: This solution is used primarily for providing calories and is not suitable for volume replacement.
B. 10% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride: This solution combines dextrose and a hypotonic sodium chloride solution, which is not ideal for immediate volume replacement in severe bleeding cases.
C. 0.9% sodium chloride: This is the correct choice. Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is an isotonic solution used for volume replacement, especially in cases of significant blood loss.
D. 2.5% sodium chloride: This is a hypotonic solution and would not be appropriate for volume replacement in severe bleeding as it does not adequately address the need for fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Poorly controlled pain, moves all extremities, reports continued nausea: Poorly controlled pain and nausea are not ideal for discharge, as they indicate the patient might need further monitoring and management.
B. 2-hour total urinary output of 30 mL, pulse oximetry 94% on 3L oxygen, turning from side to side: Low urinary output and low oxygen saturation indicate potential complications that require further assessment and treatment.
C. Afebrile, adventitious breath sounds, responds to painful stimuli: Responding to painful stimuli and adventitious breath sounds suggest the patient may still be experiencing complications and is not ready for discharge.
D. SaO2 of 95%, vital signs stable for last 30 minutes, active gag reflex: This response indicates stable oxygen saturation, stable vital signs, and an active gag reflex, suggesting the patient is ready for discharge from the PACU.
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