A client began receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of packed red blood cells 30 minutes ago. What is the initial nursing action when the client reports itching and a tight sensation in the chest?
- A. Stop the transfusion.
- B. Check the client's temperature.
- C. Call the primary health care provider.
- D. Recheck the unit of blood for compatibility.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The symptoms reported by the client indicate that the client is experiencing a transfusion reaction. The first action of the nurse when a transfusion reaction is observed is to discontinue the transfusion. The IV of normal saline with new IV tubing is started and the primary health care provider is notified. The nurse then checks the client's vital signs: temperature, pulse, and respirations and then rechecks the unit of blood as appropriate for infusion into the client.
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A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a subclavian catheter suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia, cyanosis, and decreased level of consciousness. Based on these findings, which is the best intervention for the nurse to implement for the client?
- A. Obtain a stat oxygen saturation level.
- B. Examine the insertion site for redness.
- C. Perform a stat finger-stick glucose level.
- D. Turn the client to the left side in Trendelenburg's position.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clinical indicators of air embolism include chest pain, tachycardia, dyspnea, anxiety, feelings of impending doom, cyanosis, and hypotension. Positioning the client in Trendelenburg's and on the left side helps isolate the air embolism in the right atrium and prevents a thromboembolic event in a vital organ.
The nurse has developed a plan of care for a client with a diagnosis of anterior cord syndrome. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to minimize the client's long-term risk for injury?
- A. Change the client's positions slowly.
- B. Assess the client for decreased sensation to touch.
- C. Assess the client for decreased sensation to vibration.
- D. Teach the client about loss of motor function and decreased pain sensation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anterior cord syndrome is caused by damage to the anterior portion of the gray and white matter. Clinical findings related to anterior cord syndrome include loss of motor function, temperature sensation, and pain sensation below the level of injury. The syndrome does not affect sensations of fine touch, position, and vibration.
A client with significant flail chest has arterial blood gases (ABGs) that reveal a PaO2 of 68 and a PaCO2 of 51. Two hours ago the PaO2 was 82 and the PaCO2 was 44. Based on these changes, which item should the nurse assure easy access to in order to help ensure client safety?
- A. Intubation tray
- B. Injectable lidocaine
- C. Chest tube insertion set
- D. Portable chest x-ray machine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flail chest occurs from a blunt trauma to the chest. The loose segment from the chest wall becomes paradoxical to the expansion and contraction of the rest of the chest wall. The client with flail chest has painful, rapid, shallow respirations while experiencing severe dyspnea. The laboratory results indicate worsening respiratory acidosis. The effort of breathing and the paradoxical chest movement have the net effect of producing hypoxia and hypercapnia. The client develops respiratory failure and requires intubation and mechanical ventilation, usually with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP); therefore, an intubation tray is necessary. None of the other options have a direct purpose with the client's current respiratory status.
When caring for a client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, the nurse should be alert for which manifestations of myasthenic crisis? Select all that apply.
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Increased diaphoresis
- C. Decreased lacrimation
- D. Bowel and bladder incontinence
- E. Absent cough and swallow reflex
- F. Sudden marked rise in blood pressure
Correct Answer: B,D,E,F
Rationale: Myasthenic crisis is caused by undermedication or can be precipitated by an infection or sudden withdrawal of anticholinesterase medications. It may also occur spontaneously. Clinical manifestations include increased diaphoresis, bowel and bladder incontinence, absent cough and swallow reflex, sudden marked rise in blood pressure because of hypoxia, increased heart rate, severe respiratory distress and cyanosis, increased secretions, increased lacrimation, restlessness, and dysarthria.
The nurse is measuring the fundal height on a client who is 36 weeks' gestation when the client reports feeling lightheaded. What finding should the nurse expect to note when assessing the client?
- A. Fear
- B. Anemia
- C. A full bladder
- D. Compression of the vena cava
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the uterus may cause supine hypotension syndrome (vena cava syndrome) late in pregnancy. Having the client turn onto her left side or elevating the left buttock during fundal height measurement will prevent the problem. Options 1, 2, and 3 are unrelated to this syndrome.
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