During a change-of-shift report, a nurse sees that a client's IV bag of 0.9% sodium chloride has 900 mL of fluid left in it. The nurse makes rounds 30 minutes later and notes that the IV bag is empty.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check the client's respiratory rate and lung sounds.
Request NPO status for the client.
Elevate the head of the bed to high Fowler's.
Measure the client's temperature.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Check the client's respiratory rate and lung sounds When an IV bag is unexpectedly empty, it is important to assess the client for potential complications, especially if the client was receiving fluid therapy. Checking the respiratory rate and lung sounds is essential to ensure there are no signs of respiratory distress, such as crackles or wheezing, which could indicate fluid overload or a pulmonary issue.
Choice B rationale:
Request NPO status for the client Requesting nothing by mouth (NPO) status is not the immediate action required when an IV bag is empty. The priority is to assess the client's condition and address any potential issues first.
Choice C rationale:
Elevate the head of the bed to high Fowler's Elevating the head of the bed to high Fowler's is a measure to assist with preventing aspiration during oral intake. It is not the primary action required in this situation, where assessing the client's respiratory and fluid status is more important.
Choice D rationale:
Measure the client's temperature Measuring the client's temperature is not the immediate priority in this scenario. Assessing the client's respiratory and fluid status is more critical to identify any potential issues associated with the empty IV bag. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Pitting edema of the lower legs.”. Pitting edema is a common sign of congestive heart failure (CHF), and it often occurs bilaterally in the lower extremities. While this is a potential finding in left-sided heart failure, it is not specific to it.
Choice B rationale:
"Jugular venous distention.”. Jugular venous distention (JVD) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure or elevated central venous pressure. It is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
"Shortness of breath while lying down.”. This is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure, known as orthopnea. When the patient lies flat, fluid that has accumulated in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing. Patients with left-sided heart failure often find relief by sleeping with their upper body elevated.
Choice D rationale:
"Right upper quadrant pain.”. Right upper quadrant pain is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure. It may be associated with issues related to the liver or gallbladder but is not directly related to heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: C.
Choice A reason: A pH of 7.50 and HCO3 of 31 mm Hg suggest a metabolic alkalosis due to the high bicarbonate level. However, during a panic attack, hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic, due to the excessive exhalation of CO2, which is not consistent with this option.
Choice B reason: A pH of 7.30 and HCO3 of 19 mm Hg indicate a metabolic acidosis due to the low bicarbonate level. This is not typically associated with hyperventilation during a panic attack, which usually causes respiratory alkalosis, characterized by a decrease in CO2 levels and an increase in pH.
Choice C reason: A pH of 7.47 and PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg are indicative of respiratory alkalosis, which is expected during hyperventilation as a result of a panic attack. Hyperventilation causes a decrease in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels, leading to an increase in pH. The normal ranges for arterial blood gases are: pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 35-45 mm Hg, and HCO3 22-26 mEq/L.
Choice D reason: A pH of 7.32 and PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg suggest respiratory acidosis due to the elevated PaCO2 level. This would be more consistent with hypoventilation, which is not the case during a panic attack where hyperventilation occurs.
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