The nurse is caring for a client with massive gastrointestinal bleeding from a gastric ulcer who received 6 units packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and 2 units fresh frozen plasma (FFP). The most recent laboratory results are a hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dL (4.96 mmol/L), platelets of 82,000/mm3 (82 X 109/L), a prothrombin time (PT) of 11.1 seconds, an international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.9, and a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 58 seconds. Vital signs are a heart rate of 110 beats/minute, respirations of 24 breaths/minute, a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg, and an oxygen saturation of 94% on 4 L/minute oxygen via nasal canula. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Reference Range:
- Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (8.69 to 11.17 mmol/L)]
- Platelets [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (150 to 400 x 109/L)]
- Prothrombin time (PT) [11.0 to 12.5 seconds]
- International Normalized Ratio (INR) [0.8 to 1.1]
- Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) [60 to 70 seconds]
Administer a PRN bolus normal saline.
Obtain a blood specimen for hematocrit.
Measure strict hourly urinary output.
Switch oxygen delivery to a face mask.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administer a PRN bolus normal saline. The client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock, including tachycardia (HR 110 bpm), tachypnea (RR 24), and hypotension (BP 80/50 mmHg) following massive gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple blood transfusions. Immediate fluid resuscitation with a normal saline bolus is the priority to restore intravascular volume, maintain perfusion, and prevent further deterioration.
B. Obtain a blood specimen for hematocrit. While monitoring hematocrit is important to assess ongoing blood loss, it does not take priority over treating the client’s current hypovolemia. A delay in resuscitation could worsen hypotension, decrease organ perfusion, and lead to shock.
C. Measure strict hourly urinary output. Monitoring urine output is important in assessing renal perfusion and fluid balance, but the client’s immediate need is volume replacement. If fluid resuscitation is delayed, renal perfusion could worsen, leading to acute kidney injury.
D. Switch oxygen delivery to a face mask. The client’s oxygen saturation is 94% on 4 L/min nasal cannula, indicating adequate oxygenation at this time. Increasing oxygen delivery is not immediately necessary compared to fluid resuscitation. However, if the client’s condition worsens, oxygen therapy adjustments may be needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Initiate an IV bolus of 0.9% normal saline 500 mL. The client already has elevated CVP and PAWP, which indicate fluid overload and poor cardiac function. Giving a fluid bolus would worsen pulmonary congestion, edema, and respiratory distress. Fluid restriction, rather than additional IV fluids, is usually necessary in decompensated heart failure.
B. Titrate IV dopamine at 8 mcg/kg/minute. Dopamine is a vasopressor and inotropic agent that increases blood pressure and cardiac output. However, the client has an elevated blood pressure (140/50 mm Hg) and signs of fluid overload, making dopamine unnecessary. Increasing contractility could further stress the failing heart and worsen congestion.
C. Administer furosemide 40 mg IV push (IVP). Furosemide (a loop diuretic) is the best intervention for fluid overload in heart failure. Elevated CVP and PAWP suggest pulmonary congestion and excess intravascular volume, which furosemide helps relieve by reducing preload and promoting diuresis. This intervention improves breathing, reduces blood pressure, and decreases cardiac workload.
D. Encourage a liberal PO fluid intake. Clients with heart failure often require fluid restriction to prevent worsening edema and pulmonary congestion. Encouraging excessive oral fluid intake would worsen fluid overload and should be avoided.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
- I will monitor my urine output and pay attention to the volume and color. Clients with DI must monitor urine output closely because polyuria and diluted urine indicate under-treatment, while sudden reduced output and darker urine may suggest fluid retention or excessive desmopressin dosing.
- I will always wear my medical alert bracelet. A medical alert bracelet is essential for emergency situations since DI can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if left untreated. It ensures that emergency responders are aware of the condition if the client is unable to communicate.
- I will use the same scale and wear a similar amount of clothing when I take my weekly weight. Monitoring body weight trends is crucial in DI management, as sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention (over-treatment), while weight loss may suggest dehydration. Using a consistent method ensures accurate tracking.
- If I gain more than 2.2 lb (1 kg), I will go to the emergency department (ED). A sudden weight gain may suggest fluid retention from over-treatment, but mild fluctuations are not always an emergency. Instead, the client should report significant weight changes to their healthcare provider to assess medication adjustments.
- If I become thirstier, I may need another dose of the medication. While increased thirst may indicate under-treatment, self-adjusting the desmopressin dose is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. The client should track symptoms and report persistent thirst to determine if a dosage change is necessary.
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