The nurse is managing a donor patient six hours prior to th e scheduled harvesting of the patient’s organs. Which assessment finding requires imme diate action by the nurse?
- A. Morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL
- B. pH 7.30; PaCO 38 mm Hg; HCO 16 mEq/L 2 3
- C. Pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8° F
- D. Central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient's pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, PaCO2 of 38 mm Hg is low, and HCO3 of 16 mEq/L is also low, suggesting metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate action as untreated acidosis can lead to serious complications.
Choice A (morning serum blood glucose of 128 mg/dL) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.
Choice C (pulmonary artery temperature of 97.8°F) is a normal temperature and does not require immediate action.
Choice D (central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg) is within normal range and does not require immediate action.
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The nurse understands that many strategies are available to address ethical issues that may occur; these strategies include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Change-of-shift report updates
- B. Ethics consultation services
- C. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees
- D. Pastoral care services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ethics consultation services. These services involve seeking guidance from experts to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. They provide in-depth analysis and recommendations based on ethical principles, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions. Change-of-shift report updates (A) are essential for continuity of care but do not directly address ethical issues. Formal multiprofessional ethics committees (C) are valuable for reviewing policies and addressing systemic ethical concerns but may not be readily available for immediate guidance. Pastoral care services (D) offer spiritual support but may not always have the expertise to handle complex ethical dilemmas. Ethics consultation services (B) are the most suitable option for addressing specific ethical issues promptly and effectively.
Comparing the patient’s current (home) medications with those ordered during hospitalization and communicating a complete list of medications to the next care provider when the patient is transferred within an organization or to another setting a re strategies toward best achieving what patient related goal?
- A. Improving accuracy of patient identification.
- B. Preventing errors related to look-alike and sound-alike medications.
- C. Reconciling medications across the continuum of care.
- D. Reducing harms associated with administration of anti coagulants.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Reconciling medications is essential for patient safety as it involves comparing current and ordered medications to ensure accuracy.
Step 2: This process helps prevent medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and duplications across different care settings.
Step 3: Communicating a complete list of medications to the next care provider ensures continuity of care and reduces the risk of medication discrepancies.
Step 4: By reconciling medications across the continuum of care, healthcare providers can better coordinate patient care and optimize treatment outcomes.
In summary, choice C is correct as it focuses on medication reconciliation to improve patient safety and care coordination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the comprehensive process of reconciling medications across care settings.
assessment, the patient is restless, heart rate has increased to 110 beats/min, respirat ions are 36 breaths/min, and blood pressure is 156/98 mm Hg. The cardiac monitor shows sin us tachycardia with 10 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) per minute. Pulmonary artery pressures are elevated. The nurse suctions the patient and obtains pink, frothy secretio ns. Loud crackles are audible throughout lung fields. The nurse notifies the physician, who orders an ABG analysis, electrolyte levels, and a portable chest x-ray study. In comambirubn.ciocma/tteinstg with the physician, which statement indicates the nurse understands what is likely occurring with the patient?
- A. “May we have an order for cardiac enzymes? This pati ent is exhibiting signs of a myocardial infarction.”
- B. “My assessment indicates potential fluid overload.”
- C. “The patient is having frequent PVCs that are comprom ising the cardiac output.”
- D. “The patient is having a hypertensive crisis; what medications would you like to order?”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: “My assessment indicates potential fluid overload.” The patient is showing signs of fluid overload, such as increased heart rate, respiratory rate, elevated blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressures, frothy secretions, and crackles in lung fields. These symptoms suggest fluid is accumulating in the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion. This can lead to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress. The nurse's recognition of these signs is crucial for prompt intervention to prevent further complications. Other choices are incorrect because there are no indications of a myocardial infarction, PVCs compromising cardiac output, or a hypertensive crisis based on the given information.
Which statement reflects adherence to current recommendations concerning open visitation policies?
- A. Allowing animals on the unit; however, these can only be “therapy” animals through the hospital’s pet therapy program.
- B. Allowing family visitation throughout the day except a t change of shift and during rounds.
- C. Determining, in collaboration with the patient and famaiblyirb, .cwomho/te csta n visit and when.
- D. Permitting open visitation by adults 18 years of age and older; limit visits of children to 1 hour.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects patient-centered care by involving patients and families in decision-making. Collaborating with them on visitation preferences promotes a supportive environment. Choice A restricts animal visitation, not addressing human visitors. Choice B limits visitation during specific times, not individualized. Choice D imposes restrictions based on age, not on patient/family preferences. Therefore, Choice C is the most aligned with current recommendations for open visitation policies.
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient with chroni c obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which assessment would be a cue to the patient developing postoperative pneumonia?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Change in sputum characteristics
- C. Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis
- D. Pursed-lip breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Change in sputum characteristics. This is a cue for postoperative pneumonia in a COPD patient because it can indicate an infection in the lungs. Postoperative pneumonia is a common complication in patients with COPD due to impaired lung function and weakened immune system. Other choices are incorrect: A) Bradycardia is not a specific indicator of postoperative pneumonia. C) Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis can be seen in patients with COPD but are not specific to postoperative pneumonia. D) Pursed-lip breathing is a coping mechanism for patients with COPD and is not directly related to postoperative pneumonia.