Patient Data.
Review H and P, nurses notes, laboratory results, flow sheet, and orders.
Click to mark whether the assessment finding represents a therapeutic result of the sodium bicarbonate administered, a non-therapeutic side-effect, or an unrelated finding. Each row must have one option selected.
Capillary refill 2 seconds
Blood pressure 113/72 mm Hg
Bicarbonate 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L)
Sodium 152 mEq/L (152 mmol/L)
400 mL urine output
Heart rate 77 beats/minute
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Choice A: Capillary refill 2 seconds
Reason: Capillary refill time is a quick test to assess peripheral perfusion and hydration status. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. Initially, the patient had a capillary refill time of 5 seconds, indicating poor perfusion, likely due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. After the administration of IV fluids and sodium bicarbonate, the capillary refill time improved to 2 seconds, which is within the normal range. This improvement indicates that the treatment was effective in restoring adequate perfusion and hydration, making it a therapeutic result.
Choice B: Blood pressure 113/72 mm Hg
Reason: Normal blood pressure for adults is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. The patient’s initial blood pressure was 100/77 mm Hg, which is on the lower side, likely due to dehydration. After receiving IV fluids and sodium bicarbonate, the blood pressure improved to 113/72 mm Hg, which is closer to the normal range. This indicates that the treatment helped to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure, making it a therapeutic result.
Choice C: Bicarbonate 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L)
Reason: The normal range for bicarbonate (HCO3) is 21 to 28 mEq/L. The patient’s initial bicarbonate level was 15 mEq/L, indicating metabolic acidosis, likely due to severe vomiting and diarrhea. After the administration of sodium bicarbonate, the bicarbonate level increased to 22 mEq/L, which is within the normal range. This indicates that the sodium bicarbonate effectively corrected the metabolic acidosis, making it a therapeutic result.
Choice D: Sodium 152 mEq/L (152 mmol/L)
Reason: The normal range for sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L. The patient’s sodium level of 152 mEq/L is above the normal range, indicating hypernatremia. This could be a non-therapeutic side effect of the sodium bicarbonate administration, as sodium bicarbonate can increase sodium levels in the blood. Hypernatremia can lead to symptoms such as confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures, and requires careful monitoring and management.
Choice E: 400 mL urine output
Reason: The patient’s urine output of 400 mL is not directly related to the administration of sodium bicarbonate. Urine output is influenced by various factors, including fluid intake, kidney function, and overall hydration status. In this case, the urine output is more likely related to the patient’s overall fluid balance and hydration status rather than a direct effect of the sodium bicarbonate. Therefore, it is considered an unrelated finding.
Choice F: Heart rate 77 beats/minute
Reason: A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The patient’s initial heart rate was 102 beats per minute, which is elevated, likely due to dehydration and metabolic acidosis. After receiving IV fluids and sodium bicarbonate, the heart rate decreased to 77 beats per minute, which is within the normal range. This indicates that the treatment helped to stabilize the patient’s heart rate, making it a therapeutic result.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"E","dropdown-group-3":"E"}
Explanation
The client is at immediate risk for developing Cardiac arrest, Anaphylaxis, and Arrhythmias.
Choice A: Peripheral Edema
Peripheral edema refers to the swelling of tissues, usually in the lower limbs, due to the accumulation of fluid. While peripheral edema can be a concern in patients with heart conditions, it is not an immediate risk in the context of the patient’s current situation. The primary concerns for this patient, given her history of symptomatic bradycardia and atrial fibrillation, are more acute and life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and arrhythmias. Peripheral edema is typically a chronic condition that develops over time and is not considered an emergent risk in this scenario.
Choice B: Renal Failure
Renal failure, or kidney failure, is a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. While renal failure can be a serious complication, it is not an immediate risk for this patient. The patient’s primary issues are related to her cardiovascular system, specifically her low heart rate and history of atrial fibrillation. The immediate risks in this scenario are more likely to be related to acute cardiovascular events rather than renal complications. Additionally, there is no indication in the patient’s history or current treatment that suggests an imminent risk of renal failure.
Choice C: Necrosis
Necrosis refers to the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or infection. While necrosis can occur in severe cases of prolonged ischemia or infection, it is not an immediate risk for this patient. The patient’s current condition and treatment plan do not indicate a high risk of tissue necrosis. The more pressing concerns are related to her cardiovascular health, specifically the risk of cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and arrhythmias. These conditions are more likely to occur suddenly and require immediate medical intervention.
Choice D: Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, leading to a cessation of blood flow to the body’s organs. Given the patient’s history of symptomatic bradycardia and atrial fibrillation, she is at a high risk of developing cardiac arrest. Bradycardia can lead to insufficient blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs, potentially resulting in cardiac arrest. Additionally, the stress of the upcoming procedure and the discontinuation of anticoagulants can further increase this risk. Therefore, cardiac arrest is a significant immediate risk for this patient and requires close monitoring and preparedness for emergency intervention.
Choice E: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly. The patient is receiving vancomycin, which is known to cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, in some individuals. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and a drop in blood pressure. Given the patient’s current infusion of vancomycin, she is at risk for developing anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications or death. The nurse must be vigilant for signs of anaphylaxis and be prepared to administer emergency treatment if necessary.
Choice F: Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can range from benign to life-threatening. The patient has a history of atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, and symptomatic bradycardia, both of which put her at risk for developing further arrhythmias. The stress of the upcoming procedure, changes in medication, and the underlying heart conditions all contribute to the risk of arrhythmias. These irregular heartbeats can lead to decreased cardiac output, syncope, or even progression to more severe arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation, which can be fatal. Therefore, arrhythmias are an immediate risk for this patient and require continuous cardiac monitoring and readiness to intervene.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range of 0.8 to 2.6 ng/mL. Therefore, this value does not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider. Monitoring digoxin levels is important to avoid toxicity, but this specific level is considered safe.
Choice B Reason:
A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, as digoxin and potassium compete for the same binding sites on the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. Low potassium levels can enhance the effects of digoxin, leading to potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, this value should be reported immediately.
Choice C Reason:
A creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range of 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL. This value indicates normal kidney function, which is important for the excretion of digoxin. Therefore, this value does not require immediate reporting.
Choice D Reason:
A sodium level of 135 mEq/L is just below the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. While slightly low, this value is not critically abnormal and does not pose an immediate threat. It should be monitored, but it does not require urgent reporting to the healthcare provider.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.