A nurse is reviewing vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel on a group of clients. The previous vital signs for each of the clients were obtained 4 hours earlier. Which of the following changes should the nurse identify as the priority finding?
Temperature change from 36.6° C (97.8° F) to 38.8° C (101.9° F).
Respiratory rate change from 12/min to 20/min.
Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg.
Heart rate change from 110/min to 68/min.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C: Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg.
Choice C rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure can indicate various serious conditions, such as shock, hemorrhage, or a severe infection. The nurse should assess the client further and intervene as necessary to prevent complications.
Choice A rationale: The change in temperature may indicate the onset of a fever and requires further assessment, but it is not as immediately concerning as the sudden drop in blood pressure.
Choice B rationale: The change in respiratory rate could be a result of factors like pain, anxiety, or exercise. While it warrants further assessment, it is not as critical as the blood pressure change.
Choice D rationale: The heart rate change may be a response to medications, rest, or other factors. It should be monitored and assessed, but the priority finding is the blood pressure change, which may indicate a more severe underlying issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A change in pupil size can indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, which can lead to a life-threatening situation. The nurse should immediately report this finding to the provider.
Choice B is incorrect because difficulty speaking is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice C is incorrect because inability to follow direction is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice D is incorrect because right-sided weakness is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice B: Difficulty speaking is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice C: Inability to follow direction is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice D: Right-sided weakness is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client takes ibuprofen for headaches. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can result in a false positive result on a fecal occult blood test.
Option A is incorrect because breast cancer is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Option C is incorrect because citrus juice does not affect the fecal occult blood test.
Option D is incorrect because a hemorrhoidectomy is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Reasons why the other options are not answered:
Option A: Breast cancer is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
Option C: Citrus juice does not affect the fecal occult blood test.
Option D: A hemorrhoidectomy is not associated with false-positive fecal occult blood results.
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