A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client.
Which of the following findings require follow-up? Select all that apply.
Hematocrit
Oxygen saturation
Activity level
Blood pressure
Temperature
Breath sounds
Pain level
Vitamin B12 level
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,H
- Hematocrit: The client's hematocrit level of 24% is significantly low (normal range: 37% to 47%), indicating anemia. This requires follow-up to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment, such as iron supplementation or further investigation.
- Oxygen saturation: An oxygen saturation level of 94% is slightly low, especially considering the client's reported shortness of breath. Monitoring is necessary to ensure adequate oxygenation and to assess if supplemental oxygen or further respiratory evaluation is needed.
- Activity level: The client reports generalized weakness and increased fatigue, particularly becoming short of breath after minimal exertion (e.g., climbing stairs). This decreased activity level is concerning and may indicate cardiovascular or hematological issues, requiring further assessment and follow-up.
- Blood pressure: The blood pressure readings indicate orthostatic hypotension, with a drop from 118/60 mm Hg sitting to 102/50 mm Hg standing. This significant drop suggests potential volume depletion or anemia, which requires follow-up to assess fluid status and ensure safety during ambulation.
- Vitamin B12 level: The Vitamin B12 level of 159 pg/mL is slightly below the normal range (160 to 950 pg/mL), indicating potential deficiency. This can lead to anemia and neurological issues. Follow-up is needed to evaluate dietary intake and consider supplementation.
- Temperature: The client's temperature of 37° C (98.6° F) is within normal limits and does not indicate a need for follow-up. Monitoring for signs of infection or inflammation is important, but this finding is stable.
- Breath sounds: The assessment shows clear and present bilateral breath sounds, which indicate no respiratory distress or abnormalities. This finding does not require follow-up.
- Pain level: The client reports no pain or discomfort, which is a positive finding and does not necessitate further follow-up. Ongoing assessment for pain should continue, but current findings are stable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to report bleeding: While important, assessing for bleeding is not the immediate priority. Minor blood-tinged sputum can be expected, but significant bleeding should be reported. Ensuring airway protection comes first.
B. Inform the client they might experience a low-grade fever: A mild fever may occur within the first 24 hours after bronchoscopy due to irritation, but addressing airway safety and aspiration risk takes precedence.
C. Check the client's gag reflex: The gag reflex must return before offering oral intake to prevent aspiration. The local anesthetic used for the procedure can suppress the reflex, increasing the risk of aspiration if the client drinks or eats too soon.
D. Provide the client with sips of water: Fluids should not be given until the gag reflex has returned. Providing water too soon could result in aspiration, leading to complications such as pneumonia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to a 15° angle: Clients with pericarditis typically experience relief when sitting up and leaning forward, as this reduces pressure on the inflamed pericardium. A 15° elevation is too low to provide significant relief.
B. Check the client for jugular venous flattening: Pericarditis, especially when complicated by cardiac tamponade, leads to jugular venous distension rather than flattening due to impaired venous return to the heart.
C. Administer an anticoagulant medication to the client: Anticoagulants are not routinely used in pericarditis because they may increase the risk of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, particularly if pericarditis is due to an inflammatory or infectious cause.
D. Assess the client for a paradoxical blood pressure: Pulsus paradoxus, a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, is a key sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. Monitoring for this helps in early detection and management.
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