The nurse is receiving report on their patient assignments for the day. Which patient should be assessed first? The patient...
who reports a change in pattern of their usual shortness of breath
reports flank pain 7 on a (0-10) scale 15 min after getting an oral analgesic
with serosanguinous drainage in a JP drain post op day 3.
bilateral wheezes after walking 40 feet (12 meters), pulse ox 96 on RA
The Correct Answer is A
A. A change in the pattern of shortness of breath can be a sign of worsening respiratory or cardiovascular status and may indicate a serious condition such as pulmonary embolism, heart failure, or a pneumothorax. This requires immediate assessment and further investigation to determine the cause.
B. While flank pain (7/10) after receiving oral analgesic could be concerning, the fact that the pain is still significant 15 minutes after medication administration suggests that the pain may not yet be well-controlled. However, this is not as immediately urgent as a change in breathing pattern, so this patient should be assessed after the one with respiratory concerns.
C. Serosanguinous drainage from a JP drain on postoperative day 3 is not uncommon, and this typically does not require immediate intervention unless the drainage increases significantly or becomes more sanguine. This patient should be assessed after the one with a change in shortness of breath.
D. Bilateral wheezes after walking 40 feet, with a pulse oximetry of 96% on room air, is concerning but not as urgent as a change in shortness of breath. The pulse oximetry is within the normal range, and wheezing could be related to mild exertion or an underlying chronic condition (like asthma), but the patient’s condition doesn’t seem to be immediately life-threatening. This patient should be assessed after the patient with shortness of breath.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The pH is normal but leaning toward alkalosis (7.44).
The PaCO₂ is low (30 mmHg), indicating respiratory alkalosis.
The HCO₃⁻ is also low (18 mEq/L), showing metabolic compensation.
Since pH is within normal limits and both respiratory and metabolic components are abnormal, full compensation has occurred.
B. This is incorrect
C. This is incorrect
D. This is incorrect
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Variant angina: Also known as Prinzmetal's angina, this type of angina is caused by a spasm in the coronary arteries, which can temporarily restrict blood flow to the heart. While it can be severe, it is typically not associated with an impending myocardial infarction (MI). It often occurs at rest and is usually relieved with medications like nitrates or calcium channel blockers.
B. Chronic stable angina: This is the most common type of angina and occurs with physical exertion or emotional stress, typically following a predictable pattern. The pain is generally relieved with rest or nitroglycerin and is not usually associated with an impending myocardial infarction. Chronic stable angina is more of a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) rather than an emergency situation.
C. Nocturnal angina: This occurs during sleep or while at rest, and it may be associated with coronary artery disease, but it is generally not an indicator of an impending MI. It can sometimes be relieved by sleeping in an upright position or using medications such as nitrates.
D. Unstable angina: This type of angina is the most concerning because it occurs unexpectedly and can happen at rest, with minimal physical activity, or at night. The pain is more severe, lasts longer, and may not be relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Unstable angina is considered a medical emergency and is closely related to an impending myocardial infarction (MI). It signifies that a plaque in the coronary artery is unstable and may rupture, leading to a clot formation, which can completely block the artery and result in a heart attack.
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