A 45-year-old patient presents to the trauma unit after a gunshot wound (GSW) to the abdomen. The patient has a temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit, is restless and confused, and has large amount of blood noted from the nasogastric (NG) tube as well as from the indwelling urinary catheter. Which additional assessment finding likely causes death within the first 24 hours following this injury?

Heart rate of 130 beats per minute

PH of 7.21 (normal 7.35-7.45)

Serum potassium 5.7 mEq/L (normal 3,5-5.3)

Platelet count 200,000 (normal 150,000-450,000)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Heart rate of 130 beats per minute
A heart rate of 130 beats per minute is tachycardia, which is often a compensatory response to injury, particularly in cases of trauma, blood loss, or shock. It is common in the initial phase after trauma as the body attempts to compensate for decreased blood volume or oxygen delivery. However, tachycardia alone is not typically fatal in the immediate post-injury period and can often be managed.

B) pH of 7.21 (normal 7.35–7.45)
A pH of 7.21 indicates acidosis, which is life-threatening and typically arises from shock, blood loss, or severe trauma. Acidosis occurs when the body is unable to compensate for lactic acid or other metabolic byproducts that accumulate due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. In the case of a gunshot wound to the abdomen, there is a high risk of internal bleeding, hypoperfusion, and hypoxia, all of which can lead to metabolic acidosis. Severe acidosis can cause organ failure, particularly affecting the heart, kidneys, and brain.

C) Serum potassium 5.7 mEq/L (normal 3.5–5.3)
A serum potassium of 5.7 mEq/L is elevated, but it is moderately high and not typically life-threatening unless it reaches much higher levels (e.g., >6.0 mEq/L), which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated potassium can occur due to cellular injury (e.g., muscle trauma or rhabdomyolysis), but it would need to be corrected to prevent complications like arrhythmias.

D) Platelet count 200,000 (normal 150,000–450,000)
A platelet count of 200,000 is within the normal range (150,000–450,000) and does not indicate a problem with coagulation. The blood loss and the NG tube hemorrhage mentioned in the scenario suggest that the patient may be at risk for bleeding, but a platelet count in the normal range suggests that the body’s ability to form clots is likely intact.

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Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

A) O- (O negative):
A person with blood type A- can safely receive blood from a universal donor blood type, which is O-. This is because O- has no A, B, or Rh antigens on the surface of its red blood cells, making it compatible with any ABO blood group. The Rh negative status is also compatible, as the recipient is also Rh-negative.

B) AB- (AB negative):
A person with blood type A- cannot receive blood from someone with AB-. This is because the AB- blood type contains both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells, which could cause an immune reaction in a person with A- blood, whose immune system will react against the B antigen. Therefore, AB- is not compatible with A- blood.

C) A+ (A positive):
A person with A- blood cannot receive blood from an A+ donor, because the A+ blood contains the Rh positive antigen. If a person with A- blood receives Rh-positive blood, they will form antibodies against the Rh factor, leading to a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Therefore, A+ is not compatible with A- blood.

D) A- (A negative):
A person with A- blood can receive blood from another A- donor, because both share the A antigen and are Rh-negative. This is a perfect match and poses no risk of a transfusion reaction.

E) O+ (O positive):
A person with A- blood cannot receive blood from an O+ donor, because the O+ blood contains the Rh-positive antigen. This could cause an immune reaction in a person with A- blood, leading to the production of anti-Rh antibodies. Therefore, O+ is not compatible with A- blood.

A. Take the prescribed anticoagulant specifically as directed B. Stop taking your antihypertensive medications until checking with your surgeon C. Avoid lifting objects ten pounds or greater for two days D. Take your immunosuppressive medications daily in the morning

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Take the prescribed anticoagulant specifically as directed:
Clients with mechanical heart valves are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, and therefore, anticoagulation therapy (often warfarin or another blood thinner) is necessary to prevent thromboembolic events. It is essential for the client to take the prescribed anticoagulant exactly as directed, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained while minimizing the risk of bleeding.

B) Stop taking your antihypertensive medications until checking:
This instruction is not appropriate after heart surgery. Antihypertensive medications are typically necessary to manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart. Stopping antihypertensive medications without consulting the healthcare provider could result in elevated blood pressure, which can put undue stress on the heart, especially after valve replacement surgery.

C) Avoid lifting objects ten pounds or greater for two days:
This statement is not appropriate for a client who has undergone open heart surgery. After heart surgery, particularly valve replacement, the client may be advised to avoid lifting heavy objects for a period of time (often 4-6 weeks) to prevent strain on the incision site and the heart. Two days of restriction is insufficient; longer periods of activity limitation are usually required to ensure proper healing.

D) Take your immunosuppressive medications daily in the morning:
Immunosuppressive medications are not typically prescribed for clients with mechanical heart valves. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed for clients who have had organ transplants (e.g., kidney, liver) to prevent organ rejection. Since the client in this scenario had a mitral valve replacement, immunosuppressants are not usually indicated unless there are specific complications, such as endocarditis or other infections.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC's) to a patient whose blood type is A- (negative). The nurse knows that this patient can receive transfusions from which blood types? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY).

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

The client who has had open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve is preparing for discharge. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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