A nurse is admitting a 45-year-old male client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus in the emergency department.
Select the findings that require immediate attention.
Glasgow Coma Scale score
Client's self-monitoring of blood glucose
Bicarbonate level
Vaccess
Oxygen saturation
Blood pressure results
ECG findings
Sodium level
Correct Answer : A,C,F,G,H
Choice A rationale:
The Glasgow Coma Scale score has decreased from 14 to 12, indicating a decline in the client's level of consciousness. This finding requires immediate attention as it may signify worsening neurological status or an underlying condition such as metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, or intracranial pathology.
Choice C rationale:
The bicarbonate level is 13 mEq/L, which is significantly lower than the normal range of 21-28 mEq/L. This indicates metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic. It requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications such as shock or organ failure.
Choice F rationale:
The client's blood pressure readings show hypotension with a supine blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg and sitting blood pressure of 85/50 mm Hg. This suggests hemodynamic instability, which could be due to dehydration, sepsis, or other critical conditions requiring urgent treatment.
Choice G rationale:
The ECG findings indicate tachycardia with a prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex, and peaked T waves. These are signs of hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention to prevent cardiac arrest.
Choice H rationale:
The sodium level is 152 mEq/L, which is higher than the normal range of 136-145 mEq/L, indicating hypernatremia. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe neurological symptoms and requires prompt correction to prevent complications such as seizures or coma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Milky fluid often indicates chylothorax, a condition where lymphatic fluid leaks into the pleural space, and is not necessarily indicative of infection.
Choice B rationale
Bloody fluid may indicate trauma or malignancy but not necessarily infection.
Choice C rationale
Viscous fluid can be related to various conditions, including malignant effusion, but does not specifically indicate infection.
Choice D rationale
Purulent fluid is indicative of an infection as it contains pus, which is a collection of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a peak flow reading provides information about the severity of asthma, but it is not the immediate priority during an acute exacerbation.
Choice B rationale
Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid can help in managing inflammation, but it takes time to work and is not the immediate priority.
Choice C rationale
Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is important for long-term management but is not the immediate priority.
Choice D rationale
Administering a short-acting B2-agonist (SABA) is the priority because it provides rapid bronchodilation, helping to alleviate the airway obstruction quickly.
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