A nurse has received a report on a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus with a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL (normal range: 74-106 mg/dL).
A client who has diabetes insipidus with an intake of 1,500 mL and an output of 1,600 mL in 24 hours.
A client who has Graves' disease with a heart rate of 100/min and reports tremors.
A client who has had a left-sided stroke reports a severe headache and is manifesting confusion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
While a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range, it is not typically considered an emergency for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This client would require monitoring and potential adjustment of their diabetes management plan, but it does not necessitate immediate assessment.
Choice B reason:
For a client with diabetes insipidus, an intake of 1,500 mL and an output of 1,600 mL in 24 hours is within expected parameters, considering the condition's characteristic polyuria and polydipsia. This client would need ongoing monitoring to maintain fluid balance but is not the highest priority for immediate assessment.
Choice C reason:
A heart rate of 100/min and tremors in a client with Graves' disease could indicate that their condition is not well-controlled. However, these symptoms are not as acutely concerning as those of a stroke and would be addressed after more urgent needs are met.
Choice D reason:
A client who has had a left-sided stroke and reports a severe headache and confusion is exhibiting signs of a possible acute neurological change or complication, such as increased intracranial pressure or hemorrhage. This client requires immediate assessment and intervention due to the potential for rapid deterioration and life-threatening complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis and is not related to the symptoms of tingling sensations that can occur after a subtotal thyroidectomy. This sign is elicited by extending the client's leg at the knee while the hip is flexed, which would not be relevant in this case.
Choice B reason:
Brudzinski's sign is another indicator of meningitis and involves involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when attempting to flex the client's neck. Similar to Kernig's sign, it is not pertinent to the postoperative symptoms of a subtotal thyroidectomy.
Choice C reason:
Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of existing neuromuscular irritability seen in hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroid surgery due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands. Tapping on the facial nerve triggers twitching of the facial muscles, which correlates with the tingling sensations reported by the client.
Choice D reason:
Babinski's sign is used to assess neurological function, particularly of the central nervous system, and is not related to the symptoms of hypocalcemia. It involves stroking the sole of the foot to observe the toes' movements, which would not provide information about the tingling sensations the client is experiencing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Bowel sounds are an important assessment to determine the return of gastrointestinal function after surgery. However, they are not the immediate priority following a cholecystectomy. The nurse will monitor bowel sounds to assess for ileus or obstruction, but this comes after ensuring that the patient's vital signs are stable.
Choice B reason:
Oxygen saturation is the priority assessment for a client being admitted from the PACU following a cholecystectomy. Ensuring adequate oxygenation is crucial after anesthesia, as respiratory function can be compromised. Monitoring oxygen saturation helps to detect hypoxemia early and prevent respiratory complications.
Choice C reason:
Inspecting the surgical dressing is necessary to check for signs of bleeding or infection at the surgical site. However, this is not the first priority upon admission from the PACU. The nurse will assess the dressing after vital signs and oxygen saturation have been addressed.
Choice D reason:
Temperature is an important vital sign that can indicate infection or other postoperative complications. However, the immediate priority is to ensure the client's airway and breathing are adequate, which includes assessing oxygen saturation before temperature.
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