A nurse is assisting with the care of a 14-year old client in the emergency department (ED) who has anorexia nervosa.
Physical Examination
Client appears preoccupied and displays poor concentration but is oriented X3. Client has very thin appearance, measuring 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 42.6 kg (94 lb). This calculates to 81% of ideal target weight. Client skin color is pallor with capillary refill greater than 2 seconds. When asked about fainting, client minimizes it and comments. "I was just tired. it was nothing."
Which of the following 5 findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse?
Sodium level
Blood pressure
Respiratory rate
Capillary refill
Glucose level
Phosphate level
Magnesium level
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Sodium level: Correct. Sodium imbalances can have serious consequences, including neurological symptoms. Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte imbalance seen in anorexia nervosa.
B. Blood pressure: Correct. Abnormal blood pressure, especially low blood pressure, can indicate cardiovascular compromise, which is a concern in severe cases of anorexia nervosa.
C. Respiratory rate: Not selected. While monitoring respiratory rate is important, the client's pallor and capillary refill suggest potential issues with peripheral perfusion, making capillary refill more urgent.
D. Capillary refill: Correct. Prolonged capillary refill time is a measure of peripheral perfusion and may indicate poor tissue perfusion, requiring immediate attention.
E. Glucose level: Not selected. While monitoring glucose levels is important, hypoglycemia might not be an immediate concern in this scenario. The client's neurological symptoms may be more related to electrolyte imbalances.
F. Phosphate level: Not selected. Monitoring phosphate levels is important, but severe abnormalities may not require immediate follow-up unless other critical issues are addressed first.
G. Magnesium level: Not selected. Magnesium imbalances are significant but may not require immediate follow-up unless severe abnormalities are noted.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I should sit on the side of the bed before standing up in the morning."
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, clients taking amitriptyline should be advised to sit on the side of the bed for a few moments before standing up, especially in the morning when orthostatic changes may be more pronounced.
B. "I may experience an increased libido." This statement is not related to the common side effects of amitriptyline. Changes in libido are not typically associated with this medication.
C. "I will avoid drinking caffeinated beverages." While it's generally a good idea to limit caffeine intake, this statement is not a specific instruction related to amitriptyline. However, reducing caffeine consumption can be beneficial because amitriptyline may enhance the stimulant effects of caffeine.
D. "I can no longer eat pepperoni pizza." This statement is not directly related to amitriptyline. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with amitriptyline use, and the client can continue to eat pepperoni pizza unless there are individual dietary concerns or interactions with other medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Avoid foods that contain tyramine" is not relevant to fluoxetine. Tyramine restriction is a concern with certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but not with SSRIs like fluoxetine.
B. "Plan to discontinue this medication as soon as your depression is relieved" is not advisable. Discontinuing an antidepressant abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may not allow for the full resolution of depressive symptoms. The decision to discontinue medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
C. "Expect that your mood might take one to three weeks to begin improving" is a crucial piece of information to provide because fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), often takes a few weeks to start exerting its therapeutic effects. It's important for the client to understand that the full benefits of the medication may not be felt immediately.
D. "Stop taking this medication if weight loss or gain occurs" is not an appropriate instruction. Weight changes are potential side effects of fluoxetine, but the decision to continue or discontinue the medication should be based on consultation with a healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping medication without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms and is not recommended.
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