While assessing an older adult patient with fluid excess, the nurse notes the following: T = 98.6°F, P = 92, R = 18, BP = 166/88 mm Hg, bilateral crackles, oxygen saturation = 95%. Which action should the nurse take first?
Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula.
Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void.
Place the patient in a high Fowler position.
Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula: Although oxygen might be helpful later, the patient currently has a good oxygen saturation (95%). The priority is to ease breathing and reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.
B. Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void: While voiding might help reduce fluid volume, repositioning the patient to improve breathing is more urgent.
C. Place the patient in a high Fowler position: This position maximizes lung expansion, improves oxygenation, and helps alleviate dyspnea caused by fluid overload.
D. Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds: Placing the patient flat can worsen pulmonary symptoms by allowing fluid to shift toward the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Have the laboratory draw a blood sample for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR measures inflammation and is unrelated to hyperkalemia.
B. Restrict fluid intake: Fluid restriction is not appropriate for hyperkalemia unless specifically related to fluid overload or renal failure.
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias such as peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, or asystole. ECG monitoring is essential.
D. Administer potassium gluconate 40 mEq orally: This would worsen hyperkalemia and is contraindicated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased appetite: Hyponatremia does not typically cause increased appetite.
B. Hyporeflexia: Severe hyponatremia may lead to neurological symptoms, but reflex changes are less common.
C. Constipation: This is unrelated to sodium levels.
D. Headache: Hyponatremia causes cellular swelling, including in the brain, leading to headache, nausea, and neurological symptoms.
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