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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Redness around the incision line. Redness around the incision line indicates inflammation and is a sign of wound infection. Bruising around the wound and crusting along the incision are normal findings in the early postoperative period. Serous wound drainage is a normal finding after surgery and is not an indication of infection.
B. Bruising around the wound: This is a normal finding in the early postoperative period.
C. Serous wound drainage: This is a normal finding after surgery and is not an indication of infection.
D. Crustin
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Apply a moist saline dressing to the area.
Choice A reason: Obtaining a set of vital signs is important, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The vital signs will not address the protruding organs directly.
Choice B reason: Flexing the client’s knees and hips may provide comfort but does not directly address the issue of the open incision and protruding organs.
Choice C reason: Applying a moist saline dressing to the area is the correct action. It helps to protect the protruding organs by keeping them moist and reduces the risk of organ damage or infection. This is the priority action to keep the organs moist and reduce the risk of tissue damage until surgical repair can be done.
Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the client’s bed 20° may be part of the overall care plan, but it is not the immediate priority when dealing with protruding organs from an open abdominal incision.
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