A 55-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The patient reports passing black, tarry stools and experiencing dizziness and weakness. On physical examination, he is pale and diaphoretic.
Which of the following are the most appropriate initial nursing interventions for this patient? (Select all that apply)
Administer IV fluids
Prepare for possible blood transfusion
Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Administer oral iron supplements to address anemia
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
A. Administer IV fluids: The patient is hypotensive (blood pressure 88/54 mmHg) and tachycardic (heart rate 115 bpm), indicating possible hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Administering IV fluids will help to stabilize blood pressure.
B. Prepare for possible blood transfusion: The patient's hemoglobin level is critically low (6.5 g/dL), indicating significant blood loss and severe anemia. Preparing for a blood transfusion is crucial to correct the anemia.
C. Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels: Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is vital to assess the severity of the patient's anemia and response to treatment, guiding further interventions.
D. Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI): PPIs can help reduce gastric acid secretion, which may help control bleeding from peptic ulcers, a common cause of upper GI bleeding.
E. Administer oral iron supplements to address anemia: Oral iron supplements are typically used for long-term management of iron deficiency anemia but are not effective for immediate correction of severe anemia, particularly in an acute setting with ongoing blood loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Laxatives are contraindicated in clients who have a small bowel obstruction. Laxatives such as senna are contraindicated in bowel obstructions because they can increase peristalsis and exacerbate the blockage, leading to complications like bowel perforation or ischemia.
B. Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium should be substituted for this client: Bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium would not be appropriate either because they rely on bowel movement for efficacy. They could worsen the obstruction by adding bulk.
C. An osmotic laxative, such as magnesium citrate, should be substituted in this client: Osmotic laxatives, like magnesium citrate, are also contraindicated in bowel obstruction because they draw water into the bowel, which can worsen distension and pressure on the obstructed area.
D. The prescribed medication should be administered via NG route rather than the oral route for this client: While NG tubes may be used to decompress the bowel in cases of obstruction, administering a laxative through an NG tube would still be contraindicated, as laxatives increase the risk of further complications in bowel obstruction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Costovertebral angle tenderness: Costovertebral angle tenderness is more indicative of pyelonephritis (kidney infection) rather than cystitis, as it signals an upper urinary tract infection.
B. Suprapubic tenderness: Suprapubic tenderness is a classic sign of cystitis. This symptom, combined with dysuria and increased urinary frequency, strongly supports the diagnosis.
C. Abdominal distention: Abdominal distention is not typically associated with cystitis. It may suggest other conditions like bowel obstruction or ascites.
D. Lower extremity edema: Lower extremity edema is not a common finding in cystitis. It is more associated with systemic conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.
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