The nurse of a medical-surgical unit receives a report from a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse for a client who is being transferred following a right hemicolectomy. The PACU nurse reports, "The client has an IV infusion of 1,000 mL lactated Ringer's infusing at 125 mL/hr into the left wrist with 300 mL remaining. Prescriptions include morphine sulfate 2 mg IV every 2 to 4 hours for pain, last administered 30 minutes ago; ondansetron 4 mg IV every 8 hours for nausea, last administered 15 minutes ago." Which additional information is most important for the nurse to obtain in the report?

Peripheral pulses present with full range of motion of both legs.

History of vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery.

Troubled by a dry mouth but refuses to take ice chips.

Soft abdomen, absent bowel sounds, no bleeding on dressing.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While it's important to know about peripheral pulses and mobility, this is not as critical immediately post-op.
B.   A history of vomiting is relevant but not immediately actionable for the current post-op care.
C.   Dry mouth is a common and manageable symptom post-op, but not immediately critical.
D.   A soft abdomen, absent bowel sounds, and no bleeding on dressing provide essential information on the client's current post-op status and potential complications, making it the most important information to confirm.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A. Falls can lead to head injuries or subdural hematomas, which can cause confusion in older adults. It is important to assess for recent trauma as a possible cause of the confusion.
B. An elevated temperature can indicate an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or pneumonia, which are common causes of acute confusion in older adults.
C. Pain with urination is a symptom of a UTI, which can lead to confusion, especially in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease.
D. While maintaining adequate nutrition is important, increasing protein intake does not directly address the sudden onset of confusion.
E. Although knowing allergies is important for general safety, reviewing them does not help identify the cause of a new onset of confusion that began a week ago. This would be more relevant if the client were about to start a new medication.

A. Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm. B. Observe color and amount of urine. C. Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes. D. Compare muscle strength bilaterally

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. An ionized calcium level significantly above the reference range can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and requires immediate attention to assess cardiac function.
B. While urine output and characteristics are important indicators of renal function, cardiac assessment takes priority due to the potential cardiac effects of hypercalcemia.
C. Assessment of deep tendon reflexes is relevant since hypercalcemia can lead to muscle weakness and diminished reflexes. However, this should be done after assessing for any cardiac dysrhythmias.
D. Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important for assessing neurological integrity but is not the priority when hypercalcemia is suspected.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The adult child of an older adult client who has Parkinson's disease, calls the clinic and reports that the client has been confused for the past week. What action(s) should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

When assessing a client with an ionized calcium level of 17 mg/dL (4.25 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range lonized Calcium [Adult 4.6 to 5.1 mg/dL (1.15 to 1.35 mmol/L)]

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An older adult client presents to the emergency department with abdominal pain due to constipation. The nurse is providing a list of high-fiber foods to the client that the healthcare provider has recommended. Which action should the nurse implement when reviewing the list of foods?

The nurse is preparing an adult with Addison's disease for self-management. Which information should the nurse include in the client's instructions?

An older adult client who has difficulty hearing is being discharged from day surgery following a cataract extraction and lens implantation. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement to help ensure the client's compliance with self care?

The nurse is providing teaching to a client admitted with a blood glucose level of 580 mg/dL (32.2 mmol/L) about preventing complications related to diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates understanding? Reference Range: Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

After falling down the basement steps, a client is brought to the emergency department. X-ray results confirm that the client's right leg is fractured. Following application of a leg cast, which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

After receiving report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?