During an assessment of an anxious client diagnosed with right lower lobe pneumonia, the nurse notes a new onset change in mental status and tachypnea. The latest vital signs for the client are T: 98.4 F; HR: 108; RR: 28; BP: 144/90; Pulse ox: 88%. What is the priority nursing action?

Place the client on 2L via nasal cannula.

Obtain a blood glucose.

Call the physician for an order for a stat arterial blood gas to be drawn.

Request an order for lorazepam.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice a reason:
Placing the client on 2L via nasal cannula is a common intervention for hypoxemia, but with the client's pulse oximetry at 88%, which is below the normal range of 95-100%, and the presence of tachypnea, a more immediate assessment of the client's respiratory status is warranted. Oxygen therapy should be guided by the results of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to tailor the treatment to the client's specific needs.

Choice b reason:
Obtaining a blood glucose level is not the most immediate concern in the context of altered mental status and respiratory distress. While it is important to rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of altered mental status, the primary concern indicated by the vital signs is the client's respiratory condition.

Choice c reason:
Calling the physician for an order for a stat arterial blood gas is the most appropriate action. The ABG will provide detailed information about the client's oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance. This is crucial for a client with a new onset change in mental status and tachypnea, as it can indicate respiratory failure or other serious complications of pneumonia.

Choice d reason:
Requesting an order for lorazepam is not appropriate given the client's current respiratory status. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, can depress the central nervous system and respiratory drive, potentially worsening the client's hypoxemia and respiratory effort.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Bleeding at the arterial puncture site is a primary concern post-cardiac angiogram, as it can lead to significant blood loss and hematoma formation. The nurse must frequently monitor the site for any signs of bleeding or hematoma, apply pressure if necessary, and report any abnormalities to the physician immediately.

Choice b reason:
Cardiac dysrhythmias may occur due to irritation of the heart muscle by the catheter during insertion. Monitoring the client's heart rhythm is essential to detect any new onset of arrhythmias, which could indicate complications from the procedure.

Choice c reason:
Electrolyte imbalances can result from the contrast dye used during a cardiac angiogram. The dye can affect kidney function, leading to changes in electrolyte levels. Monitoring electrolyte levels is important to prevent complications such as arrhythmias or fluid imbalances.

Choice d reason:
While discomfort at the catheter insertion site is expected, it is typically mild. However, the nurse should assess for discomfort as it may indicate other issues such as infection, bleeding, or a reaction to the procedure.

A. Capillary refill, color of extremity. B. Pedal pulses. C. ACE wrap, Velcro boot, and hanging weights. D. Pin sites. E. Temperature, sensation, and movement of toes.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Assessing capillary refill and the color of the extremity is essential for determining the vascular status of the limb. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds and indicates good blood flow. The color should be consistent with the rest of the body, without pallor or cyanosis, which could indicate compromised circulation.

Choice b reason:
Checking pedal pulses is another critical aspect of assessing vascular integrity. The presence of strong and equal pulses in both feet suggests that the blood supply to the lower extremities is not compromised.

Choice c reason:
While the ACE wrap and Velcro boot are part of the postoperative management to provide support and protection to the affected limb, and hanging weights might be used for traction, these are not part of the physiological assessment of the extremity.

Choice d reason:
Monitoring pin sites for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, is crucial in a client with ORIF. Infection can lead to complications that may affect the healing process and the integrity of the fixation.

Choice e reason:
Evaluating the temperature, sensation, and movement of toes helps in assessing for potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome. Any changes in these parameters should be reported immediately as they may signify serious complications.

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During an assessment of an anxious client diagnosed with right lower lobe pneumonia, the nurse notes a new onset change in mental status and tachypnea. The latest vital signs for the client are T: 98.4 F; HR: 108; RR: 28; BP: 144/90; Pulse ox: 88%. What is the priority nursing action?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client following a cardiac angiogram (catheterization). It would be most important for the nurse to assess the client for:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who sustained a compound fracture of the right tibia/fibula postoperative ORIF (open reduction internal fixation). A complete assessment of the affected extremity would include:

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

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