A nurse is caring for a male client in the emergency department.
The nurse is reviewing the clients electronic medical records
Select the 4 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Upper arm and lower leg findings
Skin temperature
Blood pressure
Bowel sounds
Hgb
Heart rate
Correct Answer : A,C,E,F
Rationale:
A. Upper arm and lower leg findings: The presence of ecchymoses indicates impaired coagulation, which is common in chronic liver disease due to decreased clotting factor production. In the context of active bleeding (hematemesis), this is significant and needs immediate evaluation.
B. Skin temperature: Cool and dry skin, while concerning, is a nonspecific symptom. It may support a diagnosis of hypovolemia or shock, but on its own, it does not require the same urgent intervention as abnormal vital signs or lab results.
C. Blood pressure: A BP of 92/56 mm Hg indicates hypotension and suggests the client may be experiencing hypovolemic shock from gastrointestinal bleeding. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent end-organ damage.
D. Bowel sounds: Bowel sounds auscultated in all four quadrants suggest that gastrointestinal motility is present. This is not a priority finding and does not indicate an urgent complication.
E. Hgb: A hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL is critically low and consistent with significant blood loss. This value requires immediate follow-up, likely including blood transfusion and identification of the bleeding source.
F. Heart rate: A heart rate of 118/min reflects a compensatory response to hypotension or blood loss. Tachycardia in this setting is a key sign of circulatory compromise and must be addressed immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The stool will have a tarry color: Tarry stools typically indicate the presence of digested blood from upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This is not expected after an ileostomy, which involves the small intestine, not the upper GI tract.
B. The stool will have a high volume of liquid: After a colectomy with ileostomy placement, stool bypasses the colon, where most water reabsorption occurs. As a result, the output from an ileostomy is typically frequent and liquid or semi-liquid in consistency.
C. The stool will be solid and well-formed: Solid, well-formed stools are characteristic of a functioning colon. Because the colon is removed in a colectomy with ileostomy, stool will not be solid due to the lack of water absorption.
D. The stool will appear bloody with clots: Bloody stools with clots suggest active bleeding, which is not expected in normal postoperative ileostomy output. This would be an abnormal finding and should be reported immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Fasting blood glucose 65 mg/dL (70 to 110 mg/dL): While slightly below the normal range, this mild hypoglycemia is not a typical adverse effect of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is more commonly associated with nephrotoxicity, hypertension, and increased infection risk rather than altering glucose levels significantly.
B. RBC count 6.3/μL (4.7 to 6.1/μL): This value is slightly elevated but not clinically concerning and is not a known adverse effect of cyclosporine. The medication typically affects white blood cells and kidney function more than red cell production.
C. BUN 24 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL): An elevated BUN level may indicate reduced kidney function, which is a common adverse effect of cyclosporine. This immunosuppressant is nephrotoxic and requires close monitoring of renal function through BUN and creatinine levels.
D. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) 25 units/L (30 to 120 units/L): This ALP level is slightly below normal but not typically associated with cyclosporine use. Cyclosporine does not usually cause significant changes in ALP unless there is liver involvement, which is less common than kidney-related complications.
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