A nurse at a provider's office is caring for a client.
Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Respiratory findings
Menstrual period
Vaginal spotting
Oxygen saturation
Heart rate
Temperature
Bowel sounds
Abdominal findings
Correct Answer : A,C,H
- Respiratory findings: The client has a history of asthma and now presents with slight inspiratory wheezes. Although respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are normal, wheezing indicates airway narrowing, which could worsen rapidly and needs prompt follow-up to prevent an acute asthma exacerbation.
- Menstrual period: The client's menstrual period is late by two weeks, but in itself, a late period does not require immediate intervention. It is an important clinical detail but does not demand urgent follow-up unless accompanied by unstable vital signs or other concerning symptoms.
- Vaginal spotting: Scant dark red spotting in a client with a late menstrual period raises concern for an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Spotting, combined with abdominal tenderness and delayed menses, demands immediate evaluation to rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- Oxygen saturation: The oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within the normal range for a healthy adult. There is no evidence of hypoxemia, so this finding does not require immediate follow-up despite the client’s mild wheezing.
- Heart rate: The heart rate of 90/min is normal and within expected limits for adults. Although the client appears anxious, the heart rate itself does not indicate hemodynamic instability and does not require immediate intervention.
- Temperature: A temperature of 37.3° C (99.1° F) is within the normal range and does not suggest active infection or systemic illness. There is no immediate concern based solely on the client’s current temperature reading.
- Bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds can be associated with various conditions, including gastroenteritis, early bowel obstruction, or anxiety. While they contribute to the overall clinical picture of abdominal discomfort, they do not, on their own, necessitate immediate follow-up .
- Abdominal findings: Right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness, especially in combination with spotting and late menses, is concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The possibility of rupture or hemorrhage makes abdominal tenderness a critical finding that requires urgent evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Place the client in a room near the nurses' station: Clients with quadriplegia are at high risk for complications such as respiratory difficulties, pressure injuries, and autonomic dysreflexia. Placing them near the nurses’ station allows for closer monitoring and quicker response to any urgent needs.
B. Check on the client every 4 hr: Clients with quadriplegia require more frequent monitoring than every 4 hours. Regular repositioning, skin assessments, and prompt attention to needs must occur at much shorter intervals to prevent complications.
C. Place the call light within the client's reach: A client with quadriplegia typically has limited or no use of their upper extremities. Therefore, they would be unable to effectively use a standard call light and would need alternative methods, such as a specialized call device.
D. Place the client's glasses on the bedside table: If the client is unable to move their arms due to quadriplegia, placing glasses on the bedside table would not be useful. Necessary personal items should be made accessible through assistance or adaptive equipment.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","G","H","I"]
Explanation
- Decreased respiratory effort, bilateral crackles: Reduced respiratory effort following opioid administration suggests opioid-induced respiratory depression. Crackles may indicate early airway compromise due to poor ventilation or fluid accumulation, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing.
- Somnolent: Somnolence beyond expected postoperative drowsiness, especially in combination with other signs of opioid overdose, indicates central nervous system depression. The client is difficult to arouse, raising concern for airway and breathing compromise.
- Pinpoint pupils: Pinpoint pupils are a hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. In the setting of recent morphine administration and accompanying respiratory depression, this finding confirms that opioid overdose is likely occurring and must be treated promptly.
- Respiratory rate 10/min: A respiratory rate under 12 breaths per minute following opioid administration is a major red flag for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Immediate action is needed to prevent further decline in respiratory status, including potential use of naloxone.
- Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure has dropped significantly compared to the earlier reading, suggesting opioid-related hypotension. While not yet critically low, the trend combined with other overdose signs indicates instability needing close monitoring and intervention.
- Heart rate 58/min: Although the client is bradycardic, this alone is not the most urgent issue compared to respiratory depression and neurological decline. It should still be monitored closely, but it is less immediately life-threatening than the airway and breathing concerns.
- Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F): This temperature is within normal range and does not require follow-up. There are no indications of infection or thermoregulatory issues based on the current temperature.
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