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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Potassium chloride: Potassium chloride is used to treat hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
B. Acetylcysteine: This medication is not used to treat potassium imbalances. It is primarily used to treat acetaminophen overdose or to thin mucus in respiratory conditions.
C. Sodium polystyrene: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, helping to lower serum potassium levels.
D. Potassium iodide: Potassium iodide is used in thyroid conditions (such as thyroid storm) or radiation exposure and is not used to manage potassium levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Dextrose 10% in water: Dextrose solutions provide calories but do not restore volume or replace electrolytes. They are not typically used in hypovolemic shock.
B. Lactated Ringer's: Lactated Ringer’s solution is an isotonic solution containing sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate, which helps restore both fluid volume and electrolytes in the case of hypovolemic shock. It is commonly used while awaiting blood transfusions.
C. 0.33% sodium chloride: This is a hypotonic solution that can cause fluid to shift into cells and is not appropriate for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemia, which requires an isotonic solution.
D. 0.45% sodium chloride: This is a hypotonic solution as well, and it could worsen hypotension by causing fluid shifts into the cells, which is not ideal for treating hypovolemic shock.
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