Patient Data
History and Physical
The client is a 22-year-old female with a history of asthma. She was diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms at ages 14 and 16. She denies smoking but drinks alcohol 1 to 2 times a week. She reports taking edible marijuana to relieve severe premenstrual symptoms. She came to the emergency department when she started having difficulty breathing on a hike. She took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve. The client’s friend called an ambulance when they noticed her distress.
Nurses’ Notes
The client is admitted to the medical floor. She has mild subcostal retractions and is sitting in an upright position. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. The client is pale. She has strong peripheral pulses that are equal bilaterally.
Vital Signs
Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 91% on room air.
Click to highlight the assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse.
diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations
reports taking edible marijuana
started having difficulty breathing on a hike
took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve
mild subcostal retractions
Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields
client is pale
heart rate is 122 beats/minute
blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg
oxygen saturation 91% on room air
The Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F","G","H","J"]
Based on the provided information, the following assessment findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse:
- Difficulty breathing on a hike: This is a significant symptom of asthma exacerbation and needs immediate attention.
- Symptoms did not resolve after taking albuterol: Albuterol is a quick-relief medication for asthma symptoms. If symptoms do not improve after its use, it indicates that the asthma exacerbation is severe.
- Mild subcostal retractions: This is a sign of respiratory distress and indicates that the client is using accessory muscles to breathe.
- Wheezes noted throughout the lung fields: Wheezing is a common sign of asthma and indicates airway obstruction.
- The client is pale: Paleness can be a sign of decreased oxygenation.
- Heart rate of 122 beats/minute: A high heart rate can be a sign of distress or could be due to the body’s attempt to compensate for decreased oxygenation.
- Oxygen saturation of 91% on room air: Normal oxygen saturation is typically 95% or higher. A saturation of 91% indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
D.
Choice A rationale
Administering morphine as prescribed would help to manage the patient’s reported pain.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient’s vital signs is crucial in assessing the patient’s physiological response to the fall and ensuring stability.
Choice C rationale
Applying a cold pack to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Choice D rationale
Arranging for an X-ray of the left shoulder would help to identify any potential fractures or other injuries resulting from the fall.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased range of motion is generally associated with a rotator cuff injury. This is because the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. When these muscles or tendons are injured, it can limit the shoulder’s range of motion.
Choice B rationale
Pain with movement can be a symptom of both a rotator cuff injury and a humeral fracture. Both conditions involve structures that are integral to the movement of the arm, and damage to these structures can cause pain when they are moved or put under strain.
Choice C rationale
Reduced strength in the left upper extremity is more commonly associated with a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for the stability of the shoulder joint and enables the arm to lift and rotate. An injury to the rotator cuff can therefore lead to a reduction in the strength of the arm.
Choice D rationale
Reduced pulse distal to the injury is more commonly associated with a humeral fracture. This is because a fracture to the humerus could potentially damage the blood vessels running along the bone, leading to a reduced pulse further down the arm.
Choice E rationale
Coolness of the skin is more commonly associated with a humeral fracture. This could be due to damage to the blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and therefore a lower skin temperature.
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