A nurse is caring for a 75.year.old male client 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.
Oxygen saturation of 95%
Heart rate 110/min and regular
Puncture site dry
Subcutaneous emphysema
Trachea midline
Decreased lung sounds
Correct Answer : B,D,F
A. Oxygen saturation of 95%. While oxygen saturation has improved after thoracentesis, it is within an acceptable range and does not require immediate intervention. However, continuous monitoring is necessary to detect any decline.
B. Heart rate 110/min and regular. Tachycardia can indicate hypovolemia, respiratory distress, or a developing pneumothorax following the removal of a large amount of pleural fluid. The nurse should assess for additional signs of distress and notify the provider if it persists or worsens.
C. Puncture site dry. A dry puncture site is an expected finding, indicating no active bleeding or fluid leakage from the procedure. This does not require immediate followup.
D. Subcutaneous emphysema.The presence of air under the skin suggests a possible lung puncture or air leak into the subcutaneous tissue. This finding requires immediate assessment to rule out a pneumothorax, which may necessitate further intervention such as chest tube placement.
E. Trachea midline. A midline trachea indicates that there is no significant shift in mediastinal structures, ruling out severe pneumothorax or tension pneumothorax. This is a reassuring finding and does not require urgent action.
F. Decreased lung sounds. A reduction in lung sounds on the affected side can indicate lung collapse, reaccumulation of pleural fluid, or pneumothorax following thoracentesis. This requires immediate followup to assess for respiratory compromise and possible imaging to confirm the underlying cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Protamine sulfate is the specific antidote for heparin toxicity, working by neutralizing heparin’s anticoagulant effects. It binds to heparin to form a stable complex, preventing excessive bleeding. It is administered intravenously (IV) in cases of heparin overdose or severe bleeding complications.
B. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin (Coumadin), not heparin. It promotes the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, but it does not affect heparin’s mechanism of action, which works by inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa.
C. Deferasirox is an iron chelating agent used to treat iron overload in conditions like thalassemia or hemochromatosis. It does not reverse anticoagulation caused by heparin.
D. Acetylcysteine is primarily used to treat acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose and as a mucolytic for respiratory conditions. It has no role in counteracting heparin’s effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment. Clients with active tuberculosis (TB) require airborne precautions, which include placement in a negativepressure room with air exhaust directed outside to prevent the spread of infectious particles. This setup ensures that contaminated air does not circulate into other areas of the hospital.
B. A room in the ICU. The ICU is not an appropriate placement unless the client has severe respiratory distress or critical complications. TB patients should be isolated in a dedicated airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) rather than in an ICU, where other critically ill patients are at risk of exposure.
C. A room that is within view of the nurses' station. Proximity to the nurses' station is not a priority for TB management. Infection control measures, including negativepressure ventilation and airborne isolation, are far more important in reducing transmission risk.
D. A room with another nonsurgical client. TB is highly contagious, and placing the client in a shared room violates infection control protocols. Clients with active TB must be in a private, negativepressure room to prevent airborne transmission to others.
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