Following admission of the postoperative client to the clinical unit, which of the following assessment data requires the most immediate attention?

Blood pressure of 94/62 mm Hg

Heart rate of 110 beats/minute

Oxygen saturation of 82%

Urine output of 50 mL/hr

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Blood pressure of 94/62 mm Hg indicates hypotension, possibly from hypovolemia or anesthesia, but is less life-threatening than hypoxia. Oxygen saturation of 82% risks organ damage, making blood pressure secondary, requiring fluid or vasopressor support after addressing hypoxia.

Choice B reason: Heart rate of 110 beats/minute (tachycardia) suggests compensation for hypovolemia or pain but is less critical than oxygen saturation of 82%. Hypoxia risks rapid organ damage, while tachycardia is addressed after oxygenation, making it a lower priority in postoperative assessment.

Choice C reason: Oxygen saturation of 82% indicates severe hypoxia, risking brain and organ damage within minutes. Postoperative clients are prone to atelectasis or pulmonary edema, impairing gas exchange. Immediate oxygen therapy or airway management is critical, making this the most urgent finding.

Choice D reason: Urine output of 50 mL/hr is normal (0.5–1 mL/kg/hr), indicating adequate renal perfusion. Unlike oxygen saturation of 82%, which signals critical hypoxia, normal urine output does not require immediate attention, reflecting stable hydration and kidney function.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Oxygen and suction equipment support respiratory function but are not the priority for opioid-induced respiratory depression from morphine. Lethargy and low respiratory rate (8 breaths/min) indicate overdose, requiring naloxone to reverse opioid effects first, as hypoxia can persist without addressing the primary cause.

Choice B reason: Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, reverses morphine-induced respiratory depression and lethargy. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min signals overdose, risking hypoxia and brain damage. Naloxone restores normal respiration by blocking opioid receptors, making it critical to have readily available for immediate administration in this scenario.

Choice C reason: IV fluids may support blood pressure but are not the priority for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Lethargy and low respiratory rate indicate morphine toxicity, requiring naloxone to reverse effects. Fluids address secondary issues like hypovolemia, not the primary concern of respiratory compromise in this case.

Choice D reason: A blood pressure monitor is unnecessary, as the client’s blood pressure (118/66) is stable. The critical issue is respiratory depression and lethargy from morphine, requiring naloxone. Monitoring blood pressure is secondary to addressing life-threatening respiratory compromise caused by opioid overdose in this postoperative client.

A. A 46-year-old with a 30-pack-year history of smoking B. A 52-year-old in a tripod position using accessory muscles to breathe C. A 68-year-old who has dependent edema and clubbed fingers D. A 55-year-old with a chronic cough and thick secretions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: A 30-pack-year smoking history indicates COPD risk but not acute distress. Smoking is a chronic factor, not an immediate symptom requiring urgent assessment. Clients with active respiratory distress, like accessory muscle use, take priority due to immediate risks of hypoxia.

Choice B reason: A 52-year-old in a tripod position using accessory muscles indicates severe respiratory distress in COPD, reflecting hypoxia or hypercapnia. This posture and muscle use signal increased work of breathing, requiring immediate assessment to prevent respiratory failure, making this client the highest priority.

Choice C reason: Dependent edema and clubbed fingers in a 68-year-old suggest chronic COPD with possible cor pulmonale. These are chronic findings, not acute distress. Clients with immediate respiratory compromise, like accessory muscle use, take priority due to the risk of rapid decompensation.

Choice D reason: Chronic cough with thick secretions is common in COPD but less urgent than acute respiratory distress. Secretions contribute to airway obstruction, but tripod positioning and accessory muscle use indicate immediate hypoxia risk, requiring priority assessment over chronic symptoms.

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Following admission of the postoperative client to the clinical unit, which of the following assessment data requires the most immediate attention?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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