The nurse in the ICU is assessing a client who sustained blunt abdominal trauma. The client has received 3 liters of crystalloid solution in the Emergency Department and 5 units of Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) in the Operating Room. What assessment finding would the nurse report to the physician IMMEDIATELY?
Respiratory rate 24 and bloody drainage in the NG tube
Client is oriented to name and place but not the date
Blood pressure 4/48 and urine output of 24 mL/hour
Hypo-active bowel sounds and tachycardia
The Correct Answer is C
A. Respiratory rate 24 and bloody drainage in the NG tube
While an increased respiratory rate and bloody drainage are concerning, they may not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation compared to the other options.
B. Client is oriented to name and place but not the date
This suggests some level of confusion or altered mental status, which is important but not necessarily an immediate threat.
C. Blood pressure 40/48 and urine output of 24 mL/hour
This indicates severe hypotension and inadequate perfusion, which are signs of ongoing shock and possibly continued internal bleeding. Immediate intervention is critical.
D. Hypo-active bowel sounds and tachycardia
Hypo-active bowel sounds and tachycardia are concerning and suggestive of shock, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as severely low blood pressure and low urine output.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Sudden onset of chest pain and copious sputum
These are more consistent with pulmonary edema or a respiratory infection, not DIC.
B. Foul-smelling concentrated urine
This is suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or dehydration but is not a hallmark sign of DIC.
C. Oozing blood from IV sites & previous venipuncture sites
DIC is a disorder of excessive clotting and subsequent bleeding. Uncontrolled bleeding from IV sites, surgical wounds, or mucous membranes is a classic sign.
D. Reddened, inflamed central line catheter site
While redness around a catheter site may indicate infection, it is not a defining feature of DIC.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Epinephrine 1 mg IV
Epinephrine is used for severe anaphylaxis. This reaction is more consistent with a mild allergic (febrile) transfusion reaction, which does not require epinephrine.
B. Acetaminophen 650 mg PO
Acetaminophen is used for febrile reactions but does not treat the allergic symptoms (itching, urticaria).
C. Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is given to treat mild allergic transfusion reactions such as flushing, itching, and urticaria.
D. Furosemide 40 mg PO
Furosemide (Lasix) is given between blood transfusions to prevent fluid overload, not for allergic reactions.
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