A nurse is caring for a 75-year-old male patient who is experiencing difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
The nurse is caring for the client following a thoracentesis. (Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up)
Diminished lung sounds
Heart rate 110/min and regular
Oxygen saturation of 95%
Subcutaneous emphysema
Trachea midline
Puncture site dry
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A: Diminished Lung Sounds
Reason: Diminished lung sounds can indicate several serious conditions that require immediate follow-up. In the context of a patient who has just undergone a thoracentesis, diminished lung sounds could suggest a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which is a known complication of the procedure. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition can lead to severe respiratory distress and requires prompt intervention, such as the insertion of a chest tube to re-expand the lung. Additionally, diminished lung sounds could indicate reaccumulation of pleural fluid, which would necessitate further drainage or other interventions.
Choice B: Heart Rate 110/min and Regular
Reason: A heart rate of 110 beats per minute (bpm) is considered tachycardia, which is above the normal resting heart rate range of 60-100 bpm for adults. In elderly patients, a heart rate above 100 bpm can be particularly concerning as it may indicate underlying issues such as hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), infection, or cardiac problems. Tachycardia following a thoracentesis could be a sign of respiratory distress or pain, both of which require immediate assessment and management. It is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the elevated heart rate to prevent further complications.
Choice C: Oxygen Saturation of 95%
Reason: An oxygen saturation level of 95% is generally considered within the normal range (95-100%) for healthy individuals. However, in the context of a patient with a history of lung cancer, pleural effusions, and recent thoracentesis, this value might be borderline. While it does not require immediate follow-up, it should be monitored closely. Any further drop in oxygen saturation would necessitate intervention, such as supplemental oxygen or further diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the hypoxemia.
Choice D: Subcutaneous Emphysema
Reason: Subcutaneous emphysema is the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissue, which can occur as a complication of thoracentesis. It is often identified by a characteristic crackling sensation felt under the skin. This condition can indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a pneumothorax or tracheal injury, both of which require immediate medical attention. Management of subcutaneous emphysema involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include the insertion of a chest tube or other interventions to remove the trapped air and prevent further complications.
Choice E: Trachea Midline
Reason: The trachea being midline is a normal finding and does not require immediate follow-up. A deviation of the trachea to one side can indicate a tension pneumothorax or significant pleural effusion, both of which are medical emergencies. However, in this case, the trachea is midline, suggesting that there is no immediate concern related to tracheal deviation.
Choice F: Puncture Site Dry
Reason: A dry puncture site is a normal finding post-thoracentesis and does not require immediate follow-up. It indicates that there is no active bleeding or significant fluid leakage from the site. The dressing should be monitored for any signs of infection or excessive drainage, but a dry puncture site is generally a positive sign of proper healing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The statement “Provide bedtime rituals” is correct. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers feel more secure and relaxed, which can promote better sleep. Bedtime rituals might include reading a story, singing a lullaby, or having a warm bath before bed. These activities signal to the child that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Choice B reason:
The statement “Encourage play exercises in the evening” is incorrect. While physical activity is important for overall health, engaging in stimulating play exercises right before bedtime can make it harder for toddlers to settle down and fall asleep. It is better to encourage quiet, calming activities in the evening.
Choice C reason:
The statement “Explain the source of the toddler’s fears” is not the most effective approach for promoting sleep. While addressing fears is important, the explanation alone may not be sufficient to help the toddler feel secure enough to sleep. Providing comfort and reassurance through bedtime rituals is more effective in creating a sense of safety.
Choice D reason:
The statement “Turn off the room light” is partially correct but not the best standalone solution. While a dark environment can promote sleep, some toddlers may feel more secure with a nightlight. The focus should be on creating a calming and comfortable sleep environment, which includes but is not limited to adjusting the lighting.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Potential Prescription |
Anticipated |
Nonessential |
Contraindicated |
Administer spironolactone |
✅ |
||
Administer an IV fluid bolus |
✅ |
||
Obtain an x-ray of the right hip |
✅ |
||
Administer an iron supplement |
✅ |
||
Obtain the client’s weight |
✅ |
||
Administer supplemental oxygen |
✅ |
Choice A: Administer spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to manage heart failure and hypertension. However, the client’s potassium level is elevated at 5.3 mEq/L (normal range: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) . Administering spironolactone could exacerbate hyperkalemia, leading to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, the client’s low blood pressure (89/60 mm Hg) and dehydration (indicated by dry skin and tenting) make the use of a diuretic inappropriate as it could further lower blood pressure and worsen dehydration .
Choice B: Administer an IV fluid bolus
The client presents with signs of dehydration (dry skin, tenting, low urine output) and hypotension (BP 89/60 mm Hg). An IV fluid bolus is anticipated to restore intravascular volume, improve blood pressure, and address
dehydration . This intervention is crucial to stabilize the client’s hemodynamic status and improve perfusion to vital organs .
Choice C: Obtain an x-ray of the right hip
The client reports pain in the right hip following a fall, which raises the suspicion of a fracture. An x-ray is essential to diagnose any potential fractures or dislocations, which are common in elderly patients after a fall 5.
Prompt imaging will guide appropriate management and prevent further complications .
Choice D: Administer an iron supplement
While the client has a history of iron-deficiency anemia and is on ferrous sulfate, the immediate need for iron supplementation is nonessential in the context of acute management of the fall and dehydration. The client’s hemoglobin (16 g/dL) and hematocrit (47%) are within normal ranges, indicating that anemia is currently well- managed . The focus should be on stabilizing the client’s acute condition.
Choice E: Obtain the client’s weight
Obtaining the client’s weight is anticipated as it is a critical parameter for calculating medication dosages, fluid requirements, and monitoring the client’s overall health status. Accurate weight measurement is particularly important in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities to ensure precise and safe medical management .
Choice F: Administer supplemental oxygen
The client’s oxygen saturation is 95% on room air, which is within the normal range (95-100%) . Therefore, administering supplemental oxygen is nonessential unless there is evidence of hypoxia or respiratory distress. The primary focus should be on addressing dehydration and hypotension.
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