A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV ﬂuids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr.

Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr.

Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.

Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is: C. Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.
Choice A: Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a patient with a head injury. Adequate fluid management is crucial to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent secondary brain injury. Reducing the rate to 50 mL/hr could lead to hypovolemia, which might decrease cerebral perfusion and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice B: Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 20 mL/hr is even less appropriate. Such a low rate would likely result in significant hypovolemia, severely compromising cerebral perfusion pressure. This could exacerbate the patient’s head injury by reducing the blood flow to the brain, leading to further damage.
Choice C: Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr
Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is appropriate. This rate helps maintain euvolemia, which is essential for ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with head injuries. Maintaining a stable fluid rate helps prevent both hypovolemia and hypervolemia, both of which can negatively impact intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion.
Choice D: Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr
Increasing the IV fluid rate to 250 mL/hr is not recommended. Overhydration can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can be detrimental to a patient with a head injury. Excessive fluid administration can cause cerebral edema, worsening the patient’s condition.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Weight gain is not a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Weight gain is more likely to occur in right-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the systemic circulation and causes ﬂuid retention and edema in the body.

Choice B: Anorexia is not a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Anorexia is a loss of appetite, which can have many causes, such as psychological disorders, infections, medications, or cancer. Left-sided heart failure does not directly affect appetite, but it can cause nausea, fatigue, and weakness.

Choice C: A distended abdomen is not a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. A distended abdomen is more likely to occur in right-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the portal vein and causes increased pressure in the liver and spleen. This can lead to hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, and varices.

Choice D: Breathlessness is a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Breathlessness, or dyspnea, is a sensation of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Breathlessness occurs in left-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the lungs and causes pulmonary congestion and edema. This impairs gas exchange and reduces oxygen delivery to the tissues.

A. Widening pulse pressure B. Increased heart rate C. Increased deep tendon reﬂexes D. Pulse oximetry 96%

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Widening pulse pressure is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of increased intracranial pressure or aortic regurgitation. Hypovolemic shock causes narrowing pulse pressure due to decreased stroke volume and increased peripheral resistance.

Choice B Reason: This is correct. Increased heart rate is a sign of hypovolemic shock, as the body tries to compensate for the decreased blood volume and cardiac output by increasing the heart rate and contractility.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect. Increased deep tendon reﬂexes are not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of hyperreﬂexia or tetany. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased deep tendon reﬂexes due to reduced perfusion and oxygenation of the muscles and nerves.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Pulse oximetry 96% is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of normal oxygen saturation. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased pulse oximetry due to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange.

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A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV ﬂuids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has valvular heart disease and is at risk for developing left-sided heart failure. Which of the following manifestations should alert the nurse that the client is developing this condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who has internal injuries from a car crash. The client is disoriented to time and place, diaphoretic, and his lips are cyanotic. The nurse should anticipate which of the following findings as an indication of hypovolemic shock?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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