A nurse is assisting in the care of a newly admitted client.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report immédiately to the provider?Select all that apply.
Urine output
Heart rate
Sodium level
Respiratory status
Pain
Serum amylase level
Mental confusion
Blood pressure
Temperature
Cold, clammy skin
Correct Answer : B,D,G,H,J
Rationale for Correct Options:
- Heart rate. The heart rate has increased from 90/min on Day 1 to 132/min on Day 2. This significant elevation is concerning for worsening systemic inflammation, hypovolemia, or sepsis and requires immediate intervention.
- Respiratory status. The client initially had diminished breath sounds at the lung bases, but by Day 2, breath sounds are diminished throughout. This suggests worsening respiratory function, possibly due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pleural effusion, both of which can complicate severe pancreatitis. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary.
- Mental confusion. The client was alert and oriented on Day 1 but is now disoriented to person, place, and time on Day 2. This change in mental status can indicate worsening systemic inflammation, sepsis, hypoxia, or metabolic disturbances such as hypocalcemia. Immediate evaluation is needed.
- Blood pressure. While the client’s initial blood pressure was stable at 126/78 mm Hg, the current reading is not provided. If the client is experiencing hypotension, it could indicate worsening shock, requiring urgent intervention.
- Temperature. The client’s temperature increased from 37.2 °C (99 °F) on Day 1 to 38.9 °C (102 °F) on Day 2. This suggests a developing infection, such as infected pancreatic necrosis or sepsis, which requires immediate reporting and further evaluation.
- Cold, clammy skin. Cold, clammy skin is a sign of poor perfusion, which may indicate impending shock due to worsening sepsis or hypovolemia. This is an urgent finding requiring immediate attention.
Rationale for Incorrect Options:
- Urine output. The client’s urine output was documented as 60 mL/hr, which is within the normal range. There is no indication of oliguria or anuria that would require immediate reporting.
- Sodium level. The sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate a critical electrolyte imbalance requiring urgent intervention.
- Pain. The client’s pain has increased from 8/10 to 10/10 despite receiving morphine via a PCA pump. While pain management is crucial, worsening pain alone is not the most urgent concern compared to systemic complications like respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability.
- Serum amylase level. Although the serum amylase level is significantly elevated at 498 units/L, this is expected in acute pancreatitis and does not necessarily indicate an immediate life-threatening emergency. Trends in amylase and lipase levels are important for monitoring, but they do not require urgent reporting unless accompanied by other signs of deterioration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. An advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has the training to assess medication interactions and adjust prescriptions if necessary. They can evaluate the client's medications, consider potential adverse effects, and collaborate with the prescribing provider. Consulting an advanced practice nurse ensures safe and effective medication management.
B. A psychologist focuses on mental health assessment and therapy but does not prescribe or manage medications. They may help clients cope with medication-related concerns, but they lack the authority to assess or modify prescriptions. Medication-related inquiries should be directed to a medical provider or pharmacist.
C. A social worker assists clients with psychosocial needs, financial concerns, and community resources but does not have the expertise to evaluate medication interactions. They can provide support for medication access or adherence issues but not clinical medication guidance. Medication safety requires consultation with a qualified medical professional.
D. A patient care technician provides basic client care, such as vital sign monitoring and assisting with activities of daily living. They do not have the training to assess medication interactions or provide pharmacological advice. Medication concerns should be referred to a licensed healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Droplet precautions require that I wear a gown and gloves when providing client care." Droplet precautions require wearing a surgical mask when within three feet of the client, but gowns and gloves are only needed if direct contact with secretions is expected. Incorrect PPE use can lead to inadequate protection or unnecessary resource use. Understanding specific precaution types ensures proper infection control.
B. "Following a blood spill, I should use a bleach solution with a ratio of 1 to 20." Blood spills should be cleaned using a 1:10 bleach solution, not 1:20, to ensure effective decontamination. A stronger bleach concentration eliminates bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B. The solution should be applied to the spill and left to sit before wiping. Using an incorrect dilution reduces disinfection effectiveness.
C. "Soiled dressings should be placed in a biohazard trash receptacle." Soiled dressings contain bodily fluids and potential pathogens, so they must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Regular trash does not provide adequate containment and increases the risk of contamination. Proper disposal protects healthcare workers and the environment from infection. Adhering to these protocols ensures compliance with infection control standards.
D. "For a client who has Clostridium difficile, I will cleanse my hands with an alcohol-based rub." Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores, requiring handwashing with soap and water. The mechanical action of scrubbing is necessary to remove spores from the hands. Proper hand hygiene reduces transmission risks in healthcare settings. Infection control protocols emphasize soap and water for C. difficile prevention.
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