A nurse is caring for a 75-year-old client who is admitted to the medical- surgical unit.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Most Likely Condition: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
The client has multiple risk factors for developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT
• Recent surgery: The client is 2 days postoperative following a hysterectomy, which increases the risk of blood clots.
• Obesity: The client’s weight is 121.3 kg (267.4 lb), which significantly increases the risk of DVT
due to poor circulation and reduced mobility.
• Physical inactivity: The client has not yet ambulated much post-surgery due to significant pain, leading to stasis of blood in the lower extremities, which can increase the risk of clots.
• Smoking history: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase clotting risk.
• Noncompliance with sequential compression devices (SCDs): The client reports that SCDs "hurt too much," and as a result, they are not wearing them. SCDs are a key prevention strategy against DVT, so nonuse of them further increases the risk.
Actions to Take
Check for pedal pulses and signs of ischemia:
DVT can lead to impaired circulation and ischemia in the affected limb. The nurse should assess for pedal pulses and signs of ischemia (e.g., coldness, swelling, pallor) to evaluate the extent of blood flow to the lower extremities. Early detection of impaired circulation can prevent complications like tissue damage.
Request a prescription for a lower-extremity Doppler flow study:
A Doppler ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosing DVT. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to assess blood flow and detect clots. It should be ordered if the nurse suspects a DVT, especially with the client’s high risk factors.
Parameters to Monitor
Signs of bleeding after anticoagulation initiation:
If the client is diagnosed with a DVT, anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin, or enoxaparin) are often prescribed to prevent the clot from growing or migrating. The nurse needs to monitor for signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual bruising, bloody stools, or hematuria) as anticoagulant therapy increases bleeding risk.
Temperature:
Fever can be an indicator of infection or inflammation. If a DVT becomes complicated by phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) or if the clot is large or causes an infection, the client may develop a fever. Regular temperature monitoring is essential for detecting early signs of infection or complications related to DVT.
Rationale for incorrect conditions;
Muscle strain: While muscle strain can occur, the client’s presentation and risk factors (recent surgery, immobility, obesity) align more with DVT. Muscle strain is usually associated with localized pain, whereas DVT often presents with swelling, pain, and redness in the lower extremity, and potentially warmth.
Cellulitis: This is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues, typically presenting with redness, swelling, and warmth. The client does not exhibit these symptoms, and there’s no indication of an infection in the notes.
Heart failure: Heart failure can cause fluid retention, which leads to swelling in the extremities, but the
client’s vital signs (e.g., normal BP, heart rate, and respiratory rate) do not suggest heart failure. Additionally, the client does not report symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
The client is at risk for developing transient tachypnea of the newborn andhypoglycemia.
Rationale
Target 1: Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
- Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a condition characterized by rapid breathing (tachypnea) in the first few hours after birth, typically caused by delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. It often resolves within 24-48 hours.
- The newborn in the exhibit has a respiratory rate that is increasing: at 64 minutes, the rate is 68/min, and it increases to 76/min by 0700. This is significantly higher than the normal respiratory rate for a newborn (30-60/min) and is a key sign of tachypnea.
- Given the increased respiratory rate and the newborn’s age, transient tachypnea of the newborn is a likely concern. This condition is particularly common in late preterm and full-term infants who experience some delay in clearing fetal lung fluid after birth.
Target 2: Hypoglycemia
- Hypoglycemia in newborns can occur due to several factors, such as increased metabolic demand (which could be indicated by the tachycardia and respiratory rate), poor feeding, or stress during delivery.
- Tachycardia is one of the early signs of hypoglycemia in newborns, as the body responds to low blood sugar by increasing the heart rate to compensate for the lack of energy.
- The heart rate is consistently high, with values of 154/min and 156/min during the assessment. This tachycardia could be indicative of hypoglycemia, as the body works harder to compensate for low glucose levels.
Rationale for other conditions;
Bronchopulmonary Syndrome:
This condition refers to lung diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which typically occurs in premature infants who have had prolonged mechanical ventilation. There are no signs of this condition in the current assessment, such as the need for respiratory support or signs of chronic lung disease.
The newborn's respiratory rate and tachycardia are more consistent with transient tachypnea rather than a chronic condition like bronchopulmonary syndrome.
Tachycardia:
Tachycardia itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The infant's tachycardia could be a response to hypoxia or hypoglycemia, so the condition causing the tachycardia needs to be addressed (which is hypoglycemia and transient tachypnea of the newborn).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fidelity refers to being loyal, faithful, and keeping promises, which does not directly apply to this situation.
B. Autonomy refers to respecting a person's right to make their own decisions, which is not the focus here.
C. Beneficence refers to promoting the well-being of others, and in this situation, the nurse is demonstrating care by providing comfort to the grieving client.
D. Veracity refers to telling the truth, which is not the focus of the nurse's actions in this case.
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