A 49-year-old male patient has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for the past four days.

He visited the emergency department (ED) last night due to increased difficulty in breathing.

The patient has a 20-year history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day and has no significant medical or surgical history.

The nurse has placed the patient on a cardiorespiratory monitor and administered a nasal cannula. After completing an assessment, the nurse documented the findings in the patient’s chart.

Which assessment findings indicate hypoxia?

Productive cough

Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute

Oxygen saturation of 90% on room air

Heart rate of 101 beats/minute

Capillary refill of 4 seconds

Blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,D

Choice A rationale
A productive cough is not a specific indicator of hypoxia. It could be a symptom of many conditions, including a common cold, flu, or other respiratory tract infections.
Choice B rationale

A respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths/minute for adults), indicating that the patient may be trying to increase oxygen intake and eliminate carbon dioxide due to hypoxia.
Choice C rationale
An oxygen saturation of 90% on room air is lower than the normal range (95%-100%). This indicates that the patient’s blood is not carrying as much oxygen as it should, which is a sign of hypoxia.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 101 beats/minute is higher than the normal range (60-100 beats/minute for adults). This could be a response to hypoxia as the body tries to deliver more oxygen to the tissues.
Choice E rationale
A capillary refill of 4 seconds is slightly longer than the normal range (less than 2 seconds). While this could indicate poor peripheral circulation, it is not a specific or direct indicator of hypoxia.
Choice F rationale
A blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg is higher than the normal range (less than 120/80 mm Hg). While hypertension could be related to many factors, it is not a specific indicator of hypoxia.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C,A,B,D

Explanation

Choice C rationale

The first step in managing a patient with abdominal pain and distention is to complete a focused assessment. This will help the nurse determine the severity of the patient’s condition and guide subsequent interventions.

Choice A rationale

Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce the risk of aspiration, especially in a patient who has recently vomited. This is particularly important in this case as the patient’s vomit is dark brown, indicating possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Sending the emesis sample to the lab is important for determining the cause of the patient’s symptoms. The lab can analyze the sample for the presence of blood or other abnormalities.

Choice D rationale

Offering PRN pain medication is important for patient comfort. However, it should be done after the assessment and initial interventions have been completed. The medication may mask symptoms that could provide important diagnostic information.

A. Obtain equipment for gastric lavage. B. Determine the type of chemical exposure. C. Assess the child for altered sensorium. D. Call the poison control emergency number.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Gastric lavage is a procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach to remove its contents and is typically used in cases of poisoning or drug overdose. However, it should not be the first action taken. The type of chemical exposure needs to be determined first to guide appropriate treatment.
Choice B rationale
Determining the type of chemical exposure is crucial as it guides the subsequent steps in management. Different chemicals can have different effects on the body and require different treatments.
Choice C rationale
While assessing for altered sensorium is important in a child exposed to chemicals, it is not the first action. The nurse needs to identify the type of chemical the child was exposed to in order to anticipate potential complications and guide treatment.
Choice D rationale

Calling the poison control emergency number is an important step in managing a case of chemical exposure. However, having information about the type of chemical the child was exposed to can make this call more effective.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C,A,B,D

Explanation

A mother rushes into the emergency department carrying her toddler who has been exposed to some cleaning products. The child has a chemical smell on their hands, face, and clothes. After ensuring the airway is patent, which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is collecting a heel-stick blood specimen for a neonatal screen, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, prior to discharging a 2-day-old patient. When the parents ask why these tests are being conducted, which explanation should the nurse provide?

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which of these prescribed medications places the client at risk for cardiogenic shock?

An older adult patient arrives at the clinic reporting decreased strength in knees and handgrips. What action should the nurse include in a functional assessment of this patient?

The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and a weight gain of 4.4 lbs (2 kg) in 24 hours in a client with hepatic failure. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome has been prescribed dantrolene 1.5 mg/kg IV. The patient weighs 132 pounds. The label on the 250 mg vial reads, “Reconstitute with 5 mL sterile water for injection, USP. Reconstitution yields 50 mg/mL.”. How many mL should the nurse administer?

When providing nursing care for a client after a gastric endoscopy, which intervention should the nurse include in the post-procedure plan of care for commonly occurring problems?