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 B
Explanation
A. A temperature of 37.4° C (99.3° F) is within the normal range during labor and does not require intervention.
B. A fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline of 170/min is elevated, which could indicate fetal distress, requiring further evaluation and intervention.
C. Early decelerations in the FHR are common during contractions and are not typically a cause for concern.
D. Contractions lasting 80 seconds are within the normal range for active labor and do not require reporting unless they become too frequent or intense.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Rationale
Findings Indicating Improvement Laboratory Results:
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (Normal range: 14 to 18 g/dL)
Although the hemoglobin level is still slightly below the normal range (it was 9.1 g/dL prior to the transfusion), it has increased from 9.1 g/dL to 12 g/dL, showing improvement after the blood transfusion. This indicates that the transfusion has helped to raise the hemoglobin level, improving oxygen-carrying capacity.
Hematocrit 36% (Normal range: 40% to 52%)
The hematocrit level has also increased from 27% to 36%. While still below normal, this is an improvement, suggesting the transfusion is starting to correct the client’s anemia and restore normal blood volume.
Vital Signs:
Blood Pressure 112/74 mm Hg
The blood pressure has improved significantly from 76/45 mm Hg (at 1200) and 78/49 mm Hg (at 1230). An increase in blood pressure to 112/74 mm Hg indicates the client is now hemodynamically stable, and the transfusion has helped to address the hypotension. The blood pressure is now in a normal range (typically around 120/80 mm Hg), and it is no longer dangerously low.
Heart Rate 95/min
The heart rate has decreased from 118/min and 121/min (at earlier times) to 95/min. This drop
indicates that the client’s heart is not having to work as hard to compensate for the low blood volume,
suggesting improvement in circulatory status.
Oxygen Saturation 100% via 2 L/min nasal cannula
Oxygen saturation is now normal at 100%. This is an improvement compared to the previous status of 98% on room air, which indicates that the client is now receiving adequate oxygenation, and the supplemental oxygen may be effectively maintaining oxygen levels.
Physical Exam:
General: No distress
The client is no longer in apparent distress, which is an important sign of improvement. Prior to the transfusion, the client was described as diaphoretic and uncomfortable, but now the client is stable and not in distress.
HEENT: Oropharynx clear, mucous membranes moist and pink
The mucous membranes are now moist and pink, which suggests adequate hydration and oxygenation. This is an improvement, as the previous finding indicated the client’s mucous membranes were pale (which can be a sign of anemia or dehydration).
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