The nurse is rounding on a client who is 12 hours postoperative. Upon assessment, the client becomes tachycardic, hypotensive, and restless and complains of sudden chest pain. Which postoperative complication should the nurse conclude that the client most likely experienced?

Pulmonary embolism

Pneumonia

Hemorrhage

Myocardial infarction

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary embolism presents with sudden onset of chest pain, tachycardia, hypotension, and restlessness, which aligns with the client's symptoms. It is a common postoperative complication due to immobility and potential hypercoagulability.
B. Pneumonia: Pneumonia typically develops more gradually and presents with fever, productive cough, and respiratory distress rather than sudden chest pain and hemodynamic instability. It is less likely in the immediate postoperative period.
C. Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage would also cause tachycardia and hypotension, but it would typically present with symptoms such as excessive bleeding, swelling at the surgical site, and pallor rather than chest pain.
D. Myocardial infarction: While myocardial infarction can cause chest pain, tachycardia, and hypotension, it is less likely in this scenario compared to a pulmonary embolism, given the timing and nature of the symptoms in the immediate postoperative period.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Calcium Chloride: This is used to treat hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia.
B. Spironolactone (Aldactone): This is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which does not affect calcium levels.
C. Kayexalate: This is used to treat hyperkalemia, not hypercalcemia.
D. Calcitonin: This is used to lower high serum calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing calcium excretion.

A. Infiltration B. Phlebitis C. Extravasation D. Infection E. - E. Limited ambulation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Infiltration: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue, typically causing swelling and coolness, but not usually a cord-like vein or a reddened streak.
B. Phlebitis: This is the correct choice. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, evidenced by tenderness, burning, swelling, and a reddened streak along the vein. The cord-like vein indicates inflammation.
C. Extravasation: Extravasation involves the leakage of vesicant drugs into surrounding tissue, which can cause severe tissue damage, but usually involves more than just a cord-like vein and reddened streak.
D. Infection: Infection typically presents with more systemic signs like fever and could involve purulent discharge, which is not described in this scenario.

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The nurse is rounding on a client who is 12 hours postoperative. Upon assessment, the client becomes tachycardic, hypotensive, and restless and complains of sudden chest pain. Which postoperative complication should the nurse conclude that the client most likely experienced?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has a serum calcium level of 12.8 mg/dL. Which medication will likely be prescribed for this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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