Given the following vital signs, which should the nurse address first in the patient?
Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg, heart rate 92/min, temperature 38.1° C (100.6° F), oxygen saturation 95% on room air.
Blood pressure 126/84 mm Hg, heart rate 104/min, respiratory rate 24/min, temperature 38.5 C (101.3* F), oxygen saturation 92% on room air.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
The vital signs presented in this choice are within the normal range. A blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg is considered normal. A heart rate of 92/min is slightly elevated but still within the normal range (60-100 beats per minute). A temperature of 38.1° C (100.6° F) indicates a slight fever, which could be a response to an infection or inflammation. An oxygen saturation of 95% on room air is within the normal range (95%-100%).
Choice B rationale
The vital signs presented in this choice indicate that the patient may be experiencing a respiratory issue. A blood pressure of 126/84 mm Hg is slightly elevated but still within the acceptable range. A heart rate of 104/min is high, indicating that the heart is working harder than normal. A respiratory rate of 24/min is also high, suggesting that the patient may be having difficulty breathing. A temperature of 38.5 C (101.3* F) indicates a fever, which could be a response to an infection. An oxygen saturation of 92% on room air is below the normal range (95%-100%), suggesting that the patient is not getting enough oxygen. This is the vital sign that should be addressed first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Furosemide is a diuretic, or water pill, that helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. It can cause you to lose too much potassium, a mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and organs work normally. So, it’s important to eat foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beans, and spinach.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing symptoms like heartburn. Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While it is used to treat GERD, it is not typically used prophylactically in trauma patients.
Choice B rationale
Stress ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that is particularly common in critically ill or severely stressed patients, such as those with severe trauma like an automobile accident. These ulcers occur when the body’s physical stress leads to increased gastric acid secretion, which can damage the gastric mucosa and lead to ulcers. Protonix, by reducing stomach acid, can help prevent these ulcers in high-risk patients. This is why it is often administered prophylactically in severe trauma cases.
Choice C rationale
Dumping syndrome is a condition that can occur after surgery to remove all or part of your stomach or after surgery to bypass your stomach to help you lose weight. It’s also known as rapid gastric emptying. Protonix is not typically used to prevent dumping syndrome.
Choice D rationale
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. While Protonix can be used to treat gastritis, it is not typically used prophylactically for this condition in trauma patients.
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