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 A
Explanation
A. Upright: Sitting upright promotes optimal lung expansion by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and improving ventilation.
B. Side-lying: This may be used for comfort but does not maximize lung expansion.
C. Supine: Lying flat can compromise lung expansion, particularly in respiratory distress.
D. Prone: While prone positioning is used in specific cases of severe respiratory failure (e.g., ARDS), it is not standard for general pneumonia in children.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Weak pulse: Isotonic fluid-volume deficit results in decreased blood volume, leading to reduced cardiac output and a weak, thready pulse.
B. Distended neck veins: This is associated with fluid volume excess, not deficit.
C. Bradycardia: Fluid deficit typically leads to tachycardia as the body compensates for decreased circulating volume.
D. Pitting edema: This is a sign of fluid overload rather than deficit.
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