A nurse is assisting in the care of a newly admitted client.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately to the provider? Select all that apply
Temperature
Blood pressure
Pain
Urine output
Heart rate
Respiratory status
Sodium level
Mental confusion
Serum amylase level
Cold, clammy skin
Correct Answer : A,B,E,F,H,J
A. Temperature: The client’s temperature increased from 37.2°C (99°F) to 38.9°C (102°F), indicating a possible infection or systemic inflammatory response. Fever in acute pancreatitis can suggest worsening inflammation, infection, or sepsis and should be reported immediately.
B. Blood pressure: The client's blood pressure dropped from 126/78 mmHg to 92/48 mmHg, indicating hypotension, which could be due to fluid shifts, systemic inflammation, or early shock. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent hemodynamic instability.
C. Pain: While severe pain (rated 10/10) is expected in acute pancreatitis, it is not the most urgent concern requiring immediate reporting compared to hemodynamic instability and respiratory distress.
D. Urine output: The current urine output is not critically low (50-60 mL/hr), but continued monitoring is necessary. However, it is not an immediate life-threatening concern requiring urgent reporting.
E. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate increased from 90/min to 132/min, which is a significant tachycardia. This suggests compensatory shock, fluid loss, or worsening systemic inflammation and requires immediate provider notification.
F. Respiratory status: The respiratory rate increased from 18/min to 32/min, and oxygen saturation dropped to 88% on 3 L/min O₂. This suggests respiratory compromise, possibly due to worsening systemic inflammation, pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
G. Sodium level: The sodium level remains within the normal range (142 mEq/L; normal: 136-145 mEq/L), so it does not require immediate reporting.
H. Mental confusion: The client, who was alert on Day 1, is now disoriented. This change in mental status can indicate worsening systemic inflammation, hypoxia, or impending shock, requiring urgent intervention.
I. Serum amylase level: While elevated (498 units/L), this is expected in pancreatitis and does not require immediate notification unless there is a sudden drastic change.
J. Cold, clammy skin: This is a sign of poor perfusion and possible shock. It indicates worsening hemodynamic instability and requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Rigid abdomen: A rigid abdomen is more commonly associated with conditions like placental abruption or uterine rupture, where there is significant internal bleeding and trauma to the uterine wall. It is not a typical finding in placenta previa, where bleeding is typically present without uterine rigidity.
B) Bright red vaginal bleeding: Bright red vaginal bleeding is the most characteristic finding in placenta previa. The condition occurs when the placenta is abnormally located in the lower part of the uterus, covering or being near the cervix. This leads to painless, bright red vaginal bleeding, which is often seen in the second or third trimester. The bleeding results from the placenta's location as the uterus expands.
C) Persistent uterine contractions: Persistent uterine contractions are more often associated with preterm labor or placental abruption, not placenta previa. While contractions can occur in placenta previa, they are not the primary or most expected symptom. The hallmark of placenta previa is bleeding, rather than contractions.
D) Increased fetal movement: Fetal movement is not typically altered by placenta previa. In some cases, the location of the placenta may affect the feeling of fetal movement, especially if the placenta is anterior, but increased fetal movement is not a specific finding associated with placenta previa. The focus should be on bleeding and uterine stability.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I will wash my baby’s head using a moist towelette": Using a moist towelette to wash a newborn’s head is not the best approach. Newborns should be bathed gently with warm water and mild soap, especially for sensitive areas like the scalp. A moist towelette could irritate the baby’s delicate skin or lead to unnecessary chemicals on the skin.
B) "I will give my baby a bath every day": Giving a newborn a bath every day is not typically necessary. Bathing a newborn 2-3 times per week is usually sufficient to keep the baby clean without drying out the skin. Daily baths can be too harsh on a newborn’s skin, especially in the first few weeks.
C) "I will bathe my baby under a faucet of running water": Bathing a newborn under running water can be dangerous, as it may be difficult to control the temperature of the water or the baby could be at risk of slipping. It is safer to use a basin of warm water and a soft washcloth to gently bathe the baby.
D) "I will wash my baby's face with a warm, wet washcloth without soap": This is the correct and safe approach to washing a newborn’s face. Newborns have very sensitive skin, and it’s best to wash the face with just warm water and a soft washcloth to avoid irritation. Using soap on the face may dry out or irritate their delicate skin.
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