The nurse reviews the prescriptions and plans initial steps for caring for the client.
Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV push.
Inspect the bandage for drainage.
Perform range of motion.
Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities.
Provide morphine 2 mg IV push.
Palpate and compare radial pulses.
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Rationale:
- Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV push: The client reports nausea and a history of vomiting, likely related to trauma, surgery preparation, and opioid use. Administering ondansetron will prevent aspiration, maintain hydration, and promote comfort during recovery.
- Inspect the bandage for drainage: Observing the surgical dressing for bleeding or drainage is critical post-injury and postoperatively. It allows the nurse to identify early signs of hemorrhage, hematoma, or infection and report abnormalities promptly.
- Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities: The left arm shows cool skin and diminished radial pulse (1+), suggesting compromised circulation. Checking capillary refill helps monitor perfusion and detect potential neurovascular compromise early.
- Provide morphine 2 mg IV push: The client reports severe pain (10/10) from the humeral fracture. Administering prescribed opioids manages pain effectively, facilitates movement, and improves comfort, while allowing compliance with surgical positioning and procedures.
- Perform range of motion: Active or passive range-of-motion exercises on the fractured left arm are contraindicated because the client has a displaced humeral head/neck fracture. Movement could worsen displacement, compromise neurovascular status, increase pain, and impede healing. The arm should remain immobilized until surgical fixation.
- Palpate and compare radial pulses: Comparing pulses bilaterally assesses for neurovascular compromise in the injured limb. This is essential after fractures, especially with displacement, swelling, and diminished strength, to prevent ischemic complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Measure abdominal girth: While this can detect abdominal distention or internal bleeding, it is not the immediate priority compared to assessing hemodynamic stability.
B. Observe for flushing: Flushing is not directly related to gastrointestinal bleeding and does not provide critical information about the client’s immediate risk.
C. Auscultate breath sounds: Although important for overall assessment, respiratory status is not the most urgent concern in a client with potential upper GI bleeding compared to monitoring for shock.
D. Obtain current vital signs: Coffee-ground emesis indicates possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The priority is to assess hemodynamic status, including blood pressure and heart rate, to determine if the client is experiencing hypovolemia or shock, which requires immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Sodium level 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L): This value is within the normal reference range and is unlikely to contribute to the development of a dysrhythmia. Sodium imbalances can affect cardiac function, but this level does not pose a risk.
B. Potassium level 3.8 mg/dL (3.8 mmol/L): Potassium is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and would not typically precipitate a cardiac dysrhythmia. Hypokalemia or hyperkalemia outside of the normal range would be more concerning.
C. Calcium level 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L): This value is below the normal range (8.4–10.6 mg/dL), indicating hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels can prolong the QT interval and increase the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias, making this the most likely contributing factor to the telemetry changes.
D. Oxygen saturation level 97%: This oxygen saturation is within the normal range and does not contribute to cardiac dysrhythmias. Adequate oxygenation reduces, rather than exacerbates, the risk of arrhythmias.
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