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 B
Explanation
A. Hypotension: Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) typically causes increased blood pressure, not hypotension.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes: High calcium levels can depress neuromuscular function, leading to diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes. This is a common finding in hypercalcemia.
C. Diarrhea: Hypercalcemia is more commonly associated with constipation, not diarrhea.
D. Increased appetite: Hypercalcemia does not cause increased appetite. It often leads to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or a reduced appetite.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hematoma: A hematoma typically results from bleeding into the tissue, causing swelling and bruising at the infusion site, but it doesn't usually cause warmth or pain in the same way as phlebitis.
B. Phlebitis: Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, commonly caused by an IV catheter or medication, and it often presents with redness, warmth, pain, and swelling at the infusion site. It is the most likely complication here.
C. Speed Shock: Speed shock occurs when a medication or fluid is administered too rapidly, causing symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, and hypotension, not localized symptoms like redness and pain at the infusion site.
D. Thrombosis: Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a vein, which can cause swelling, warmth, and discomfort but would also likely involve more significant blockage and would be associated with reduced blood flow, not just localized redness and pain.
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