While assessing an older adult patient with fluid excess, the nurse notes the following: T = 98.6°F, P = 92, R = 18, BP = 166/88 mm Hg, bilateral crackles, oxygen saturation = 95%. Which action should the nurse take first?
Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula.
Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void.
Place the patient in a high Fowler position.
Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula: Although oxygen might be helpful later, the patient currently has a good oxygen saturation (95%). The priority is to ease breathing and reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.
B. Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void: While voiding might help reduce fluid volume, repositioning the patient to improve breathing is more urgent.
C. Place the patient in a high Fowler position: This position maximizes lung expansion, improves oxygenation, and helps alleviate dyspnea caused by fluid overload.
D. Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds: Placing the patient flat can worsen pulmonary symptoms by allowing fluid to shift toward the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The nurse applies a tourniquet to assess a vein: Applying a tourniquet is standard practice and does not increase infection risk if proper technique is used.
B. The nurse dons gloves before starting the IV: Wearing gloves minimizes the risk of infection for both the patient and the nurse.
C. The nurse blows on the area cleansed with alcohol to dry it quickly: Blowing on the site introduces bacteria from the nurse's breath to the cleansed area, increasing the risk of infection.
D. The nurse cleans the area with an alcohol pad: Cleaning the site with alcohol reduces the risk of infection and is standard practice.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Bradycardia: Vomiting and diarrhea usually lead to tachycardia (increased heart rate) as the body compensates for hypovolemia, not bradycardia (slow heart rate).
B. Pale Yellow Urine: Dehydration often causes the urine to become concentrated and dark yellow, not pale yellow.
C. Poor Skin Turgor: Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration caused by fluid loss.
D. Hypotension: Loss of fluid volume can result in hypotension due to reduced blood circulation.
E. Flat Neck Veins: Dehydration causes reduced venous return, leading to flat neck veins, particularly when lying down.
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