Which signs would suggest to a nurse that a patient is undergoing a stress response? (Choose all that apply)
The patient’s blood glucose level is 36 mg/dL.
The patient’s heart rate is 132 beats per minute.
The patient’s pupils are dilated.
The patient’s blood pressure is 104/56 mmHg.
The patient is having difficulty sleeping at night.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
Choice B rationale:
Heart rate: During a stress response, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to a release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, preparing the body for a "fight or flight" response. A heart rate of 132 beats per minute is significantly elevated compared to a normal resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute, suggesting a stress response.
Choice C rationale:
Pupil dilation: Pupil dilation is another physiological change associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during stress. The dilation allows more light to enter the eyes, enhancing visual acuity and awareness of surroundings, which can be helpful in responding to potential threats.
Choice E rationale:
Difficulty sleeping: Stress can negatively impact sleep in several ways. It can cause racing thoughts, anxiety, and physical tension, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of stress and can further exacerbate its effects.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
Choice A: Blood glucose level can be affected by stress, but a low blood glucose level of 36 mg/dL is more likely to be due to other causes such as hypoglycemia or insulin therapy. It's not a direct indicator of a stress response.
Choice D: Blood pressure can increase during stress, but a blood pressure of 104/56 mmHg is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate a stress response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While providing meticulous oral care and allowing ice chips for dry mouth can promote comfort, it does not address the primary concern of absent bowel sounds.
Ice chips could potentially stimulate bowel activity, but this is not a reliable or recommended method for managing absent bowel sounds in the immediate postoperative period.
It's essential to prioritize actions that assess and address the potential causes of absent bowel sounds, as they can indicate serious complications.
Choice B rationale:
Notifying the surgeon immediately and preparing for emergency surgery is not the appropriate first course of action in this situation.
Emergency surgery would be considered only if there were clear signs of a life-threatening complication, such as bowel perforation or peritonitis.
These complications would typically present with additional symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, and hemodynamic instability.
Absent bowel sounds alone, without other concerning signs, do not warrant immediate surgical intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Allowing the patient to have clear liquids as tolerated is not appropriate when bowel sounds are absent. Introducing oral intake before bowel function has returned can increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
It's crucial to wait for the return of bowel sounds before initiating oral intake to ensure proper digestion and minimize complications.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is the most appropriate action when bowel sounds are absent after major abdominal surgery.
This allows the bowel to rest and recover from the surgical manipulation.
It also prevents potential complications such as aspiration and nausea/vomiting that could arise from premature oral intake.
Documenting the absence of bowel sounds in the patient's medical record is essential for communication among healthcare providers and for monitoring the patient's progress.
This documentation provides a clear record of the patient's clinical status and facilitates appropriate decision-making regarding further interventions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Shearing force is the primary factor that contributes to the formation of pressure injuries when a patient's body slides downward. It occurs when two surfaces move in opposite directions, causing stress and strain on the tissues between them.
Compression of Tissues: When the patient's body slides downward, the skin and underlying tissues are compressed between the bony prominences (such as the sacrum or heels) and the surface of the bed. This compression restricts blood flow to the area, depriving the tissues of oxygen and nutrients.
Tissue Stretching and Tearing: As the body slides, the skin and underlying tissues are also stretched and pulled in opposite directions. This shearing force disrupts the normal alignment of cells and tissues, leading to microscopic tears and damage.
Impaired Blood Flow: Shearing force further compromises blood flow by stretching and compressing blood vessels. This reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, while also hindering the removal of waste products.
Tissue Damage and Necrosis: The combination of compression, stretching, and impaired blood flow leads to cell death and tissue necrosis. This is the hallmark of pressure injuries, which can range from superficial blisters to deep ulcers that extend into muscle and bone.
Factors that Increase Shearing Force: Certain factors can increase the risk of shearing force and pressure injury development, including:
Increased moisture (from sweat or incontinence) Decreased mobility
Poor skin integrity
Malnutrition
Friction from bedsheets
In conclusion, shearing force is the main factor that contributes to pressure injury formation when a patient's body slides downward. It disrupts blood flow, damages tissues, and can lead to significant wounds.
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