The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking aspirin 81mg PO daily for the last six months. Which clinical findings are of most concern? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Temperature elevation of 100.4 ORGAN
Hemoglobin decrease from 128g/dl to 9.5g/dl
Serum potassium increase from 3.5 mEq/L 4.5 mEq/L
Gastrointestinal discomfort prior to eating breakfast
Several areas of ecchymosis on upper and lower extremities
Correct Answer : B,E
A. Temperature elevation of 100.4°F: While a slight fever can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not an immediate concern related to aspirin use. It requires monitoring but is not as critical as other findings.
B. Hemoglobin decrease from 128 g/dL to 5.5 g/dL: This significant drop in hemoglobin indicates severe anemia, which is a major concern and may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding, a known risk of long-term aspirin use.
C. Serum potassium increase from 3.5 mEq/L to 4.5 mEq/L: This level is still within the normal range and does not indicate a significant clinical issue. Normal potassium levels do not raise immediate concern.
D. Gastrointestinal discomfort prior to eating breakfast: While gastrointestinal discomfort can be a side effect of aspirin, it is not immediately alarming unless associated with more severe symptoms like bleeding or ulceration.
E. Several areas of ecchymosis on upper and lower extremities: This finding is concerning as it may indicate bleeding issues due to thrombocytopenia or increased bleeding tendency associated with aspirin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL: While this BUN level is slightly elevated, it is not as concerning as the creatinine level. Elevated BUN can indicate dehydration or other issues but does not necessarily signal acute kidney injury.
B) Creatinine 2.6 mg/dL: This result is the most concerning because it indicates impaired kidney function. Normal creatinine levels are typically between 0.6 and 1.2 mg/dL. An elevated creatinine level suggests that the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively, which is a significant concern for a client with long-standing hypertension.
C) Hemoglobin 12.8 g/dL: This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for adults and does not present an immediate concern.
D) Potassium 3.8 mEq/L: This potassium level is also within the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and does not raise any alarms in terms of electrolyte imbalances.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal: While changes in hair growth and nail texture can occur with aging, the specific combination of hair loss on the legs and thick toenails in a client with peripheral vascular disease is indicative of underlying circulatory issues rather than simply a normal aging process.
B) A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention: While peripheral vascular disease does increase the risk of blood clots, the presence of no hair on the legs and thick toenails is more directly related to chronic insufficient blood flow rather than an acute clotting situation requiring immediate intervention.
C) Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture: This statement accurately describes the physiological changes occurring in peripheral vascular disease. Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lower extremities result in hair loss and thickened nails, as hair follicles and nail growth depend on adequate perfusion.
D) Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus: While hereditary factors can influence hair loss and fungal infections can affect nails, in the context of peripheral vascular disease, the findings are primarily due to inadequate blood supply rather than hereditary issues or fungal infections.
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