A nurse in the emergency department is assisting in the care of a client.
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Nurses Notes
1630:
Called to client's room by emergency call bell. Client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Client is short of breath, intercostal retractions visible. Wheezing auscultated throughout lung fields, Diffuse, raised rash present on trunk. Abdomen soft, nontender
Vital Signs
1630:
Temperature 38.3°C (101°F)
Heart rate 110/min
Respiratory rate 30/min
Blood pressure 90/55 mmHg
Oxygen saturation 91% on room air
Client is short of breath
intercostal retractions visible
Wheezing auscultated throughout lung fields
Diffuse, raised rash present on trunk
Respiratory rate 30/min
Blood pressure 90/55 mmHg
Oxygen saturation 91% on room air
Temperature 38.3°C (101°F)
Client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time.
Heart rate 110/min
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G"]
- Shortness of breath. The client is experiencing respiratory distress, which could indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Immediate intervention is needed to prevent airway compromise and respiratory failure.
- Intercostal retractions. Retractions occur when breathing is labored, suggesting airway obstruction or bronchoconstriction. This is a sign of worsening respiratory distress, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Wheezing auscultated throughout lung fields. Wheezing suggests bronchospasm, which is common in anaphylaxis and asthma attacks. The presence of diffuse wheezing indicates that the airways are narrowing, making breathing more difficult.
- Diffuse, raised rash present on trunk. A new-onset rash following antibiotic administration raises suspicion for anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction. Immediate treatment with antihistamines and corticosteroids may be required.
- Respiratory rate 30/min. The increased respiratory rate indicates that the client is compensating for airway constriction and hypoxia. This is an early warning sign of impending respiratory failure if not treated promptly.
- Blood pressure 90/55 mmHg. The drop in blood pressure suggests anaphylactic shock, where vasodilation and fluid leakage from capillaries lead to hypotension. Immediate administration of epinephrine is necessary to prevent cardiovascular collapse.
- Oxygen saturation 91% on room air. A decrease in oxygen saturation indicates impaired gas exchange, likely due to airway swelling and bronchospasm. Supplemental oxygen therapy should be provided to prevent further desaturation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Alprazolam. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is metabolized in the liver and can accumulate in clients with chronic liver disease, increasing the risk of sedation, confusion, and hepatic encephalopathy. Benzodiazepines should be used cautiously or avoided in clients with liver impairment.
B. Rotavirus vaccine. The rotavirus vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine given to infants to prevent severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection. It is not recommended for adults, including those with chronic liver disease, as it is not indicated for their age group or condition.
C. Niacin. Niacin is used to lower cholesterol and treat vitamin B3 deficiency, but it can cause hepatotoxicity, especially in high doses. In clients with chronic liver disease, niacin may worsen liver function, making it an inappropriate choice unless absolutely necessary and closely monitored.
D. Hepatitis A vaccine. Clients with chronic liver disease are at higher risk of severe complications from hepatitis A infection. Vaccination provides protection against hepatitis A, which can cause acute liver failure in individuals with pre-existing liver disease. It is recommended to prevent further liver damage and protect overall health.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "My appetite is increased." Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that primarily treats allergic reactions by blocking histamine receptors. While antihistamines can sometimes cause increased appetite as a side effect, this is not an indicator of effectiveness in treating an allergic reaction.
B. "I don't have a headache anymore." While diphenhydramine may help with headaches due to its sedative and antihistamine effects, headache relief is not the primary goal when treating an allergic reaction. The effectiveness of diphenhydramine in this scenario should be assessed based on improvements in allergic symptoms rather than headache relief.
C. "My voice is no longer hoarse." Hoarseness can be a sign of airway involvement due to allergic reaction-related swelling (laryngeal edema). Diphenhydramine reduces histamine-induced inflammation, which can help resolve airway symptoms. Improvement in hoarseness suggests reduced swelling and a lower risk of airway obstruction, making this the best indicator of effectiveness.
D. "I am feeling more alert." Diphenhydramine commonly causes drowsiness due to its sedative effects. Feeling more alert would be an unusual response to the medication and does not indicate improvement in the allergic reaction. The primary concern is symptom resolution, particularly respiratory symptoms, rather than changes in alertness.
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