The nurse calls the healthcare provider because a client diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is reporting of low back pain. Which additional information about the client would be important for the nurse to tell the healthcare provider?
White blood cell count and pulse rate.
Hematocrit and blood pressure.
Calcium level and skin condition.
Serum amylase and level of consciousness.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: White blood cell count and pulse rate are not the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are not directly related to the AAA or the low back pain. White blood cell count is a measure of the immune system activity, and it may be elevated in cases of infection or inflammation, but it is not specific to AAA. Pulse rate is a measure of the heart rate, and it may be increased in cases of anxiety, pain, or shock, but it is not indicative of AAA.
Choice B reason: Hematocrit and blood pressure are the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are directly related to the AAA and the low back pain. Hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, and it may be decreased in cases of bleeding or anemia, which can occur if the AAA ruptures or leaks. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries, and it may be increased in cases of hypertension or stress, which can worsen the AAA or cause it to rupture. The nurse should monitor the client's hematocrit and blood pressure closely and report any changes to the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Calcium level and skin condition are not the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are not directly related to the AAA or the low back pain. Calcium level is a measure of the amount of calcium in the blood, and it may be abnormal in cases of bone disorders, kidney disorders, or parathyroid disorders, but it is not relevant to AAA. Skin condition is a general term that can describe the appearance, texture, color, or temperature of the skin, and it may be altered in cases of infection, allergy, or injury, but it is not specific to AAA.
Choice D reason: Serum amylase and level of consciousness are not the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are not directly related to the AAA or the low back pain. Serum amylase is a measure of the amount of amylase, an enzyme that digests starch, in the blood, and it may be elevated in cases of pancreatitis, gallstones, or intestinal obstruction, but it is not associated with AAA. Level of consciousness is a measure of the client's mental status, alertness, and responsiveness, and it may be impaired in cases of brain injury, stroke, or coma, but it is not indicative of AAA.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Overall fluid intake should not be limited, but rather increased, for a client with urinary tract calculi. Increasing fluid intake can help flush out the stones and prevent new ones from forming.
Choice B reason: Tea and hot chocolate should be limited, because they contain oxalates, which can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of urinary tract calculi. Other foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate.
Choice C reason: Low-sodium soups are not a problem for a client with urinary tract calculi, unless they have other conditions that require sodium restriction, such as hypertension or heart failure. Sodium intake does not directly affect the formation of stones, but it can increase calcium excretion in the urine, which can contribute to calcium oxalate stones.
Choice D reason: Citrus fruit juices are beneficial for a client with urinary tract calculi, because they contain citrate, which can prevent the crystallization of calcium and oxalate in the urine. Citrate can also help dissolve existing stones and prevent new ones from forming.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calculating gestation from last menstrual cycle is not a reliable way to determine if the client is pregnant, and it is not an urgent intervention that the nurse should implement immediately. The last menstrual cycle may not reflect the actual date of conception, and it may vary depending on the client's cycle length, ovulation time, and other factors. The nurse should use a more accurate and objective method to confirm or rule out pregnancy, such as a urine or blood test.
Choice B reason: Continuing with surgery as scheduled is not a safe or ethical intervention that the nurse should implement immediately, without verifying the client's pregnancy status. Surgery, especially abdominal surgery, can pose significant risks to the client and the fetus, such as bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, preterm labor, and miscarriage. The nurse should inform the surgical team about the possibility of pregnancy and obtain the client's informed consent before proceeding with surgery.
Choice C reason: Performing a bedside pregnancy test is the most appropriate and timely intervention that the nurse should implement immediately, given the client's situation. A bedside pregnancy test is a simple and quick way to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta, in the client's urine. A positive result indicates that the client is pregnant, and a negative result indicates that the client is not pregnant. The nurse should perform the test as soon as possible and report the result to the surgical team and the client.
Choice D reason: Notifying the surgical team to cancel the surgery is not a necessary or prudent intervention that the nurse should implement immediately, without confirming the client's pregnancy status. Canceling the surgery may delay the treatment of the client's acute appendicitis, which can lead to serious complications, such as perforation, abscess, peritonitis, and sepsis. The nurse should first perform a bedside pregnancy test and then discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with the surgical team and the client.
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