The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) recorded the vital signs of four clients. Which client needs immediate nursing intervention? (SEE HANDOUT- PRIORITY VITAL SIGNS)
B
A
D
C
The Correct Answer is C
Client A has normal vital signs except for a mild fever, no urgent intervention needed.
Client B shows mild tachycardia and increased respiratory rate, but oxygen saturation and blood pressure remain stable, requires monitoring but not immediate action.
Client C has fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea, suggesting infection or dehydration. While assessment is needed, the patient is not in immediate distress compared to Client D.
Client D requires immediate nursing intervention due to the following critical findings: Bradycardia which may indicate poor perfusion, conduction abnormalities, or medication side effects, bradypnea can signal respiratory depression or impending failure, hypotension suggests shock or decreased perfusion, which may lead to organ failure and hypoxia, oxygen saturation below 90% is a critical finding and requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Check the patient's apical rate to check for a pulse deficit. While an apical pulse assessment may be useful later, the priority in a sudden drop in blood pressure with signs of fainting is to ensure adequate circulation by checking a central pulse.
B. Immediately check the client's carotid pulse. A significant blood pressure drop (132/82 to 104/52), pale skin, and signs of fainting suggest possible shock or circulatory collapse. The carotid pulse should be checked immediately to assess perfusion.
C. Elevate the head of the patient's bed to at least 45 degrees. Raising the head of the bed could worsen hypotension and decrease blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of syncope. The Trendelenburg position or lying flat may be more appropriate.
D. Report the findings to the health care provider immediately. While the provider should be notified, the priority action is to assess circulation by checking the carotid pulse first before escalating care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Family members report that pain has subsided. Pain is a subjective experience, and the patient's own report is the most reliable indicator of pain relief, not the observations of family members.
B. Vital signs have returned to baseline. While pain can affect vital signs, such as increasing heart rate or blood pressure, their return to normal does not necessarily indicate adequate pain relief. Some patients may still experience significant pain despite stable vital signs.
C. Body language is incongruent with reports of pain relief. Nonverbal cues can be helpful in assessing pain, but they should not override the patient’s self-reported pain level, which is the most accurate measure.
D. You compare assessed pain with baseline pain. The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of PCA analgesia is to assess the patient’s pain level before and after medication administration, comparing it to baseline pain. This provides an objective measure of pain relief.
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