A 98-year-old patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia has a markedly distended bladder and is agitated and confused. All the following orders are received from the emergency department health care provider. Which order should the nurse act on first?
Schedule for IVP.
Draw blood for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
Insert 16 French retention catheter.
Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 0.5 mg.
The Correct Answer is C
The nurse should act on the order to insert a 16 French retention catheter first. The patient's markedly distended bladder and agitated and confused state suggest acute urinary retention, which can be relieved by inserting a catheter to drain the urine. This is a priority intervention as urinary retention can lead to serious complications such as bladder rupture, hydronephrosis, and renal failure. Once the catheter is inserted and the patient's bladder is drained, the healthcare provider can order further tests such as an IVP or blood tests to assess renal function. The order for lorazepam can be addressed after the catheter is inserted and the patient's urinary retention is addressed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should act on the order to insert a 16 French retention catheter first. The patient's markedly distended bladder and agitated and confused state suggest acute urinary retention, which can be relieved by inserting a catheter to drain the urine. This is a priority intervention as urinary retention can lead to serious complications such as bladder rupture, hydronephrosis, and renal failure. Once the catheter is inserted and the patient's bladder is drained, the healthcare provider can order further tests such as an IVP or blood tests to assess renal function. The order for lorazepam can be addressed after the catheter is inserted and the patient's urinary retention is addressed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Sudden discontinuation of prednisone can result in adrenal insufficiency and can lead to life-threatening complications. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any symptoms of an infection, such as fever, to the doctor promptly, as prednisone can mask signs of an infection.
Monitoring for mood alterations and daily weight measurement are also important aspects of care, but they are not as crucial as the need to gradually taper off the medication.
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