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 D
Explanation
A) Tonic-clonic seizures: Tonic-clonic seizures are typically the result of a seizure disorder, but during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a controlled seizure is intentionally induced to facilitate the therapeutic effects. After the procedure, there should not be uncontrolled tonic-clonic seizures. The goal is to induce a seizure under controlled conditions during the procedure itself, so this is not an expected finding 15 minutes post-ECT.
B) Paresthesias: Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) are not a common immediate side effect following ECT. While ECT can have some neurological effects, paresthesias are more commonly associated with other neurological conditions or nerve injuries, rather than as a direct result of the procedure itself.
C) Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is not a typical immediate consequence of ECT. While ECT can have a range of physical and psychological side effects, sleep apnea, which involves breathing interruptions during sleep, is not an expected finding following the procedure.
D) Disorientation: Disorientation is a common and expected finding following ECT. It typically occurs due to the temporary effects of anesthesia, the brain’s response to the electrical stimulation, and the stress of the procedure. Clients often experience confusion, memory loss, and disorientation for a short period, particularly in the first 15 minutes after the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off and they recover from the induced seizure. This is a normal part of the recovery process.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
Condition: Opioid intoxication – The client's presentation of unresponsiveness, respiratory depression (RR 10/min), and miosis (pinpoint pupils) is consistent with opioid intoxication. Additionally, the presence of a needle in the antecubital space suggests recent intravenous drug use.
Finding: Pupil characteristics – Opioid intoxication commonly causes miosis (pinpoint pupils), which was observed in the client.
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