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Which of the following clients should be considered a priority for immediate assessment and intervention?

A.

A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities

B.

A client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 7.2% (less than 79%).

C.

A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring.

D.

A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities: Lower extremity weakness can be a side effect of epidural analgesia. While it requires monitoring, it is typically not immediately life-threatening unless accompanied by other neurological changes.

B. A client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 7.2%: An HbA1c of 7.2% indicates slightly above-target blood glucose control. This is a chronic management concern and does not require immediate intervention.

C. A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring: Sinus arrhythmia is often a benign, expected finding, particularly in children or young adults. Continuous monitoring is appropriate, but it is not an emergent concern.

D. A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea: New-onset tachypnea in a client with a hip fracture can indicate a serious complication such as pulmonary embolism or fat embolism syndrome. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Apply lidocaine gel around the incision: Topical lidocaine is generally used for localized superficial pain, not for deep postoperative pain following major joint surgery. Its effectiveness for a knee arthroplasty incision is limited.

B. Attach a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit around the incision: TENS units can help with some types of pain but are more effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain rather than acute postoperative pain.

C. Place a cold pack over the incision: Cold therapy reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain in the immediate postoperative period. It is a safe and effective nonpharmacological intervention for mild to moderate pain following knee arthroplasty.

D. Assist the client for a walk in the hallway: Early ambulation is important for preventing complications and promoting recovery, but it may initially increase pain when the client is only 4 hours post-surgery. Cold therapy is more appropriate for immediate pain relief.

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

Explanation

Rationale for Correct Choices:

  • Intravenous antibiotic: The client is exhibiting signs of postpartum endometritis, including fever, tachycardia, a boggy and tender uterus, and foul-smelling lochia. IV antibiotics are the standard treatment to rapidly address bacterial infection and prevent systemic complications.
  • Increase in daily fluid intake: Adequate hydration supports the client’s recovery by improving perfusion to the uterus, aiding in the clearance of infection, and preventing dehydration, especially if the client is febrile or breastfeeding.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

  • Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This intervention is used primarily for severe postpartum hemorrhage, which is not evident in this client. Vital signs and lochia amount do not indicate ongoing hemorrhage.
  • Kleihauer-Betke test: This test identifies fetal-maternal hemorrhage, which is not relevant to postpartum infection management. The client’s presentation suggests infection rather than blood loss.
  • Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not a concern for a postpartum client. The client’s symptoms are consistent with infection rather than uterine contractions needing suppression.

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