Reference Range:
Body mass index (BMI) [18 to 24.9 kg/m3]
Click to highlight the findings that require follow up
Neurological: Alert and oriented. Agitated. Denies headaches.
Cardiovascular: Reported chest pain described as pressure and tightness that is unrelieved with rest. Rapid regular rhythm. Normal heart tones. Radial and pedal pulses 2+. Capillary refill 2 seconds.
Respiratory: Rapid and shallow breaths. Clear breath sounds throughout bilateral lungs.
Alert and oriented
Agitated
Denies headaches
Reported chest pain described as pressure and tightness that is unrelieved with rest. Rapid regular rhythm
Normal heart tones. Radial and pedal pulses 2+. Capillary refill 2 seconds
Rapid and shallow breaths
Clear breath sounds throughout bilateral lungs
The Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]
- Agitated behavior: Agitation may be an early sign of hypoxia or decreased cardiac output. In the context of suspected cardiac ischemia, this could signal worsening perfusion and should be addressed immediately.
- Chest pain unrelieved by rest: Ongoing chest pain at rest, especially pressure-like, suggests unstable angina or myocardial infarction. This is a critical red flag requiring prompt cardiac workup and treatment.
- Rapid heart rate: A heart rate of 121 bpm is tachycardic and may reflect sympathetic activation due to pain, anxiety, or decreased cardiac output. It may also increase myocardial oxygen demand, worsening ischemia.
- Respiratory rate increased with shallow breathing: This may be a compensatory response to hypoxia or pain. Shallow respirations can reduce oxygen exchange, contributing to further cardiac strain.
- Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air: This is below normal and may indicate early hypoxemia. In the context of chest pain and increased respiratory rate, it requires oxygen therapy and further investigation.
- Pain rated 7/10, progressive and unrelieved: Ongoing chest pain not relieved with rest or time may signify myocardial injury. This symptom is critical and should be continuously monitored and managed urgently.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Client education about diagnosis and plan of care: Important for informed consent, cooperation, and reducing fear. The client is alert and oriented, so she should be provided with accurate information about appendicitis, surgical intervention, and next steps.
B. Effective coping with illness related anxiety: The client has a history of anxiety and reports feeling anxious during this episode. Addressing anxiety helps reduce sympathetic stimulation, supports emotional well-being, and improves overall cooperation with care.
C. Promotion of bowel routine: Not a current priority. The client’s bowel pattern is normal, and constipation is not contributing to the acute condition. Interventions should focus on the acute issue rather than chronic baseline management.
D. Infection prevention related to illness: Critical due to elevated WBC, fever, and confirmed appendicitis. Delayed or perforated appendicitis can lead to peritonitis or sepsis, so infection control is a top goal before and after surgery.
E. Relief of acute pain: A major priority as the client reports severe pain (9/10). Pain control improves comfort, reduces physiological stress responses, and is essential prior to surgical intervention.
F. Fluid volume management: The client has tachycardia, fever, and vomiting, placing her at risk for hypovolemia. The 1-liter lactated Ringer's bolus is essential to stabilize circulatory volume before anesthesia or surgery.
G. A review of diet progression postoperatively: Not a current focus in the ED. Nutritional education is typically addressed postoperatively when the client is recovering and cleared to resume oral intake.
H. Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) related to immobility: Important in longer-term or postoperative care, but not a priority during acute stabilization in the emergency setting before surgery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Monitor oxygen saturation via continuous pulse oximetry: While oxygen monitoring is important in any cardiac emergency, it does not address the underlying life-threatening cause. Tamponade requires urgent mechanical relief, not just oxygenation support.
B. Notify healthcare provider to prepare for pericardiocentesis: Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that restricts cardiac filling and output. Pericardiocentesis, which involves removing fluid from the pericardial sac, is the definitive and most urgent intervention to relieve pressure and prevent cardiovascular collapse.
C. Assess for paradoxical blood pressure: Measuring for pulsus paradoxus can help confirm tamponade but takes time and does not treat the condition. It should not delay notifying the provider for immediate intervention.
D. Observe neck for jugular vein distention: JVD is a common sign of tamponade but observing for it at this stage provides little new information. The presence of muffled heart sounds and restlessness already indicate that emergent treatment is necessary.
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