The nurse assesses an adult client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds the client's blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg. The client is tachycardiac, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse perform first?

Ensure the IV solution is infusing at the prescribed rate.

Listen to lung sounds.

Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.

Check under the back for evidence of bleeding.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Ensuring that the IV solution is infusing at the prescribed rate is an important task to maintain adequate fluid and electrolyte balance, especially if the client is experiencing signs of shock or low blood pressure. However, this action alone does not address the immediate need to assess or intervene for potential critical issues such as bleeding or severe hemodynamic instability.
B.   Listening to lung sounds can help assess for pulmonary complications, such as fluid accumulation or atelectasis, which can be relevant postoperatively. However, in the context of hypotension, tachycardia, and altered mental status, the priority is to address potential critical issues related to circulatory stability and bleeding.
C.   It is essential to inform the healthcare provider of the client's condition, but this should be done after initial interventions to stabilize the client. This action is necessary but not the first priority.
D.   The first action should be to check for any signs of bleeding, especially after abdominal surgery where internal bleeding is a possibility.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A decreased pleural effusion on a chest x-ray is generally a positive outcome following a thoracentesis. It indicates that the procedure was successful in removing the excess fluid. This finding does not warrant immediate intervention and is expected after the procedure.
B. The pH of 7.35 indicates acidosis (normal range is 7.35 to 7.45). The PaCO₂ is on the lower end of normal, suggesting that if there is an acid-base imbalance, it might be metabolic or mixed. The HCO₃⁻ is within normal limits, indicating no metabolic component. The PaO₂ is slightly below the normal range (80-100 mm Hg), which could be a concern but is not critically low.
C. Asymmetrical chest wall expansion can indicate a complication such as pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), which could occur as a complication of thoracentesis. This finding warrants immediate intervention because it may signify a serious issue that requires prompt attention, such as the need for a chest tube or further evaluation.
D. Pain at the insertion site is expected following a thoracentesis and is generally not an urgent concern unless it is severe or associated with other symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection. This type of pain is usually managed with analgesics and does not typically require immediate intervention unless accompanied by more serious symptoms.

A. Pneumonia B. Lung cancer C. Flu D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) E. Chronic bronchitis

Correct Answer is ["B","E"]

Explanation

A. Pneumonia is an acute infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. While it can lead to significant respiratory symptoms and changes, it is not typically associated with clubbed nails. Clubbing usually develops over a longer period and is more common in chronic conditions.
B. Clubbing of the nails is often associated with lung cancer, particularly with bronchogenic carcinoma. The exact mechanism is not entirely clear, but it may relate to the presence of a malignancy causing systemic changes or the release of growth factors that affect nail tissue.
C. The flu is a viral respiratory infection that is usually acute and self-limiting. Clubbed nails are not a common manifestation of influenza. Clubbing is more associated with chronic respiratory and systemic conditions rather than acute viral infections.
D. COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is not commonly associated with clubbing.

E. Chronic bronchitis, a type of COPD characterized by persistent cough and sputum production, may lead to clubbed nails in some cases. The chronic hypoxemia and long-term inflammation can contribute to this nail change, although it is less commonly seen than with other conditions.

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The nurse assesses an adult client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds the client's blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg. The client is tachycardiac, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse perform first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a large pleural effusion undergoes a thoracentesis. Following the procedure, which observation warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Reference Range: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) pH [7.35 to 7.45] PaCO, [35 to 45 mm Hg] HCO 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg]

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Exhibits The nurse reviews client data. Select the 3 possible conditions that could have the clinical manifestation of clubbed nails for this client.

Correct Answer is ["B","E"]

Explanation

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