The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and exhibited changes in mental status for a client with chronic kidney disease. Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?
Auscultate for irregular heart rate.
Monitor daily sodium intake.
Document abdominal girth.
Measure ankle circumference
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly involving electrolytes like potassium, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, and mental status changes could indicate potential neurologic and cardiovascular involvement. Auscultating for an irregular heart rate helps identify any immediate cardiac issues that require intervention.
B) Incorrect- While monitoring sodium intake is important for clients with chronic kidney disease, it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. The presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and changes in mental status indicate a more acute concern that requires immediate assessment.
C) Incorrect- Documenting abdominal girth is relevant for assessing fluid status, but in this situation, the presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and mental status changes indicates a more critical issue that requires prompt intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Client's pain rating on a scale of 1 to 10: This information helps assess the client's current pain level and determine the need for pain medication.
Time of the last administration of pain medication: This is important to avoid overdosing or administering pain medication too frequently. It helps ensure that pain medication is given at the appropriate time intervals.
Effectiveness of the last pain medication administered: Understanding whether the previous dose provided relief or not helps guide the choice of the next medication or dosage.
The other options are not directly related to the immediate decision of administering pain medication:
Height and weight of the client prior to admission may be part of the client's medical history but are not typically required information just before administering pain medication.
A history of pain medication use during the past year is important information but may be already documented in the client's medical records and not necessary to obtain immediately before administration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the best site for the PN to observe because it allows for the detection of changes in color, such as pallor, cyanosis, or jaundice, that may not be visible on the skin surface. The sclera and mucous membranes are less pigmented than the skin and reflect the underlying blood flow and oxygenation.
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