The nurse is assessing a 60-year-old client who is 6 hours postoperative from colon resection surgery. Immediate postoperative vital signs were BP 126/78 mmHg, HR 80 bpm, RR 13, and Temp 98.9°F. Current vital signs are BP 105/60 mm Hg, HR 120 bpm, RR 21, and Temp 99.1°F. His skin is pale and cool, and his total urine output is 125 mL over 6 hours. What nursing action is most appropriate?

Continue monitoring the client.

Increase nasal oxygen flow rate to 8 L

Place the client in high Fowler's position.

Notify the surgeon as soon as possible

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Continue monitoring the client: The client's vital signs, pale and cool skin, and low urine output suggest potential hypovolemic shock or other serious postoperative complications, requiring more immediate intervention than just continued monitoring.
B. Increase nasal oxygen flow rate to 8 L: While increasing oxygen may be necessary, the primary concern is the underlying cause of the client's symptoms, which may require more immediate intervention.
C. Place the client in high Fowler's position: This position may be beneficial for certain conditions but does not address the underlying issues suggested by the vital signs and physical findings.
D. Notify the surgeon as soon as possible: This is the correct choice. The client's hypotension, tachycardia, pale and cool skin, and low urine output indicate potential complications that need immediate evaluation by the surgeon.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The client with a serum phosphorus of 4.5 mg/dL that requires assistance with planning their meals: A serum phosphorus level of 4.5 mg/dL is within the normal range, and assistance with meal planning is a lower priority compared to the other situations.
B. The client with a serum magnesium of 1.1 mEq/L who has tremors and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: This client has hypomagnesemia, which can lead to severe complications like seizures or cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate attention is necessary due to the symptoms and the critically low magnesium level.
C. The client with a serum potassium of 5.3 mEq/L and is scheduled for hemodialysis in three hours: This potassium level is slightly elevated, but the scheduled hemodialysis suggests the issue will be addressed soon.
D. The client with a serum sodium of 145 mEq/L who is complaining of a dry mouth and wants a glass of water: A serum sodium of 145 mEq/L is on the high end of normal; the client's dry mouth is concerning but not as urgent as the issues presented by the hypomagnesemia.

A. Hypocalcemia B. Hypokalemia C. Hypophosphatemia D. Hyponatremia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia can cause signs such as muscle twitching, spasms, or tetany, which could be observed in the upper extremity and might be noted during a blood pressure measurement.
B. Hypokalemia: While hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramping, it is less directly associated with specific upper extremity signs compared to hypocalcemia.
C. Hypophosphatemia: This generally affects energy levels and muscle function but is less commonly associated with immediate and visible upper extremity signs.
D. Hyponatremia: This primarily affects fluid balance and mental status, and is less likely to present with specific upper extremity findings during a blood pressure check.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After receiving the change of shift report, the nurse reviews the electronic health record for each client. What client should the nurse see first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The illustration reflects a client's upper extremity while the nurse obtains a manual blood pressure. Which electrolyte abnormality is the nurse most likely to see in the client's blood chemistry results?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing serum laboratory values for a client who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Which value requires the nurse to promptly notify the surgeon?

The nurse identifies that which of the following clients is at risk for developing metabolic acidosis? (Select All That Apply)

Which of the following assessment findings should alert the nurse that a client's IV has infiltrated? (Select All That Apply)

Which assessment data indicate the postoperative client who had spinal anesthesia is suffering a complication of the anesthesia?

A client with dry skin and mucous membranes is weak, has orthostatic blood pressure changes, and has decreased urine output. The serum osmolality is 290 mOsm/kg. What IV fluid should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?

The nurse working on a medical surgical unit is assigned four clients at the start of their shift. What client should be given the highest priority?