The post anesthesia care unit (PACU) charge nurse notes vital signs on four postoperative clients. Which client would the nurse assess first?

Client with a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg.

Client with a temperature of 96° F (35.6° C).

Client with a pulse of 118 beats/min.

Client with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. A blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg is concerning, but it is less urgent than severe respiratory depression. The nurse should still assess this client promptly.

B. A temperature of 96° F (35.6° C) is mildly low and should be addressed, but it is not as critical as a severely low respiratory rate.

C. A pulse of 118 beats/min is elevated and may require monitoring, but it does not pose as immediate a threat as respiratory depression.

D. A respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min is critically low, which may indicate respiratory depression, particularly after anesthesia. Immediate assessment and intervention are needed to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This description is indicative of possible myocardial infarction (MI), a life-threatening emergency. Immediate evaluation and intervention, such as administering oxygen, obtaining an EKG, and providing pain relief, are crucial to prevent further damage to the heart and reduce mortality.

B. Moderate pain worse on inspiration suggests pleuritic pain, often associated with conditions like pleuritis or pulmonary embolism, which are serious but generally not as immediately life-threatening as an MI.

C. Cramping substernal pain may indicate a gastrointestinal issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is less urgent than a potential MI.

D. A dull ache may be related to musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal issues and does not suggest the immediate need for intervention seen in MI.

A. Digoxin B. Warfarin C. Furosemide D. Lisinopril

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Digoxin is used to control the heart rate in atrial fibrillation but does not directly prevent the common complication of thromboembolism.

B. Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent thromboembolic complications, such as stroke, which are common in atrial fibrillation due to the formation of clots in the atria.

C. Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid retention, often in heart failure, but it does not prevent thromboembolism.

D. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to manage hypertension and heart failure, but it does not prevent thromboembolic complications.

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