Nokea
A client who is brought to the emergency department has experienced a burn covering greater than 25% of his total body surface area (TBSA). When reviewing the laboratory results drawn on the client, which value should the nurse most likely expect to note?
- A. Hematocrit 65% (0.65)
- B. Albumin 4.0 g/dL (40 g/L)
- C. Sodium 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L)
- D. White blood cell (WBC) count 6000 mm^3 (6 x 10^9/L)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Extensive burns covering greater than 25% of the TBSA result in generalized body edema in both burned and nonburned tissues and a decrease in circulating intravascular blood volume. Hematocrit levels elevate in the first 24 hours after injury (the emergent phase) as a result of hemoconcentration from the loss of intravascular fluid. The normal hematocrit is 42 to 52% (0.42-0.52) in the male and 37 to 47% (0.37-0.47) in the female. The normal albumin is 3.5-5 g/dL (35-50 g/L). The normal sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L). The normal WBC count is 5000 to 10,000 mm^3 (5-10 x 10^9/L).
You may also like to solve these questions
You are caring for a multiple trauma client who has just arrived at the emergency room with a number of other external disaster victims. This client has multiple blast injuries and hypovolemic shock; it is anticipated that this unstable critically injured and unconscious client will have long term intravenous therapy, blood products and possibly hyperalimentation as well. Which type of venous access would you most likely anticipate for this client?
- A. A percutaneous, non tunneled subclavian catheter
- B. A peripheral intravenous catheter that is 20 gauge
- C. A multi lumen implanted tunneled and cuffed central venous catheter
- D. A peripherally inserted central venous catheter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A multi-lumen tunneled and cuffed central venous catheter is ideal for long-term therapy due to its durability and lower infection risk.
A client with a history of Addison's disease is prescribed hydrocortisone. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following side effects immediately?
- A. Weight gain.
- B. Hypoglycemia.
- C. Mood changes.
- D. Muscle weakness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mood changes may indicate corticosteroid excess, requiring immediate reporting to adjust the hydrocortisone dose.
The home care nurse visits a client who started wandering around at 10:00 pm each evening and got out of the house for the first time last night. The family asks for help. Which therapeutic response should the nurse make to the family?
- A. What prevented her from leaving the house in the past?
- B. You cannot handle this alone because she could get hurt.
- C. I think you need to consider a nursing home immediately.
- D. This is a common problem known as sundowner's syndrome.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse responds to the family by assessing the situation and collecting additional data regarding the change in the client's behavior. The best response focuses on the family's problem so that the nurse can help develop potential strategies. Option 2 is giving advice. Option 3 is histrionic, invalidates the family's attempt to manage the client's care, and potentially causes resentment. Option 4 provides the nurse's conclusion based on an incomplete assessment; other factors may be causing confusion.
The nurse is caring for a 25-year-old client who will undergo bilateral orchiectomy for testicular cancer. Considering the nature of the illness, the nurse should make it a priority to explore which potential psychological concern with this client?
- A. Postoperative pain
- B. Postoperative swelling
- C. Loss of reproductive ability
- D. Length of recuperative period
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Although the client will need factual information about the postoperative period and recuperation, the nurse should place priority on addressing loss of reproductive ability as a psychological concern. The radical effects of this surgery in the reproductive area make it likely that the client may have some difficulty in adjustment to this consequence of surgery.
A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease is admitted to the hospital for treatment of vaso-occlusive pain crisis. The nurse should plan for which interventions in the care of the client? Select all that apply.
- A. Increase fluid intake.
- B. Administer oxygen.
- C. Administer meperidine.
- D. Perform frequent pain assessment.
- E. Administer intravenous (IV) fluids.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Management of the severe pain that occurs with vaso-occlusive crisis includes frequent pain assessment and the use of strong opioid analgesics, such as morphine sulfate and hydromorphone. Fluids are necessary to promote hydration, so options related to the delivery of fluids are appropriate. Oxygen is administered to increase tissue perfusion. Meperidine is contraindicated because of its side effects and increased risk of seizures after as few as 2 doses.