Nurses' Notes
0930:
The client reports shortness of breath and left-sided chest pain for 2 days. The client fractured the right femoral neck a month ago after a fall and decided against operative management. Since then, the client has been wheelchair dependent and takes acetaminophen for fracture pain management. The client was placed on continuous cardiac monitoring.
History and physical
Body System
Neurological
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 22, SpOz 89% on room air; bilateral breath sounds are clear; pain increases with inhalation; the client reports shortness of breath for the past 2 days; the client smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 10 years.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60; S1 and S2 are present; there are no murmurs, redness and edema of the right lower extremity are noted; sinus tachycardia is seen on the monitor, chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
Musculoskeletal
The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
Based on the client's history and physical examination findings, which disease process is the most likely cause of this client's current condition?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- C. Pulmonary infection
- D. Venous thromboembolism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's recent immobility (wheelchair dependence post-femoral fracture), right lower extremity redness and edema (suggesting DVT), dyspnea, chest pain, hypoxemia (SpO2 89%), and sinus tachycardia strongly indicate venous thromboembolism, likely a pulmonary embolism secondary to DVT.
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The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Select the findings that require immediate follow up.
- A. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking
- B. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours,
- C. The client has been receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure.
- D. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
- E. The abdomen is markedly distended and tenderagogue palpation.
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: B: Requires follow-up - Persistent vomiting despite antiemetics suggests a postoperative complication like ileus or obstruction. E: Requires follow-up - Abdominal distension and tenderness indicate potential ileus or obstruction, requiring urgent evaluation. A, C, D: Do not require immediate follow-up as they are expected or less urgent.
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
1800:
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. The client is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and is admitted for supervised detoxification.
Laboratory Results
Urine Drug Screen
On admission
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Positive
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Positive
Phencyclidine-Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Negative
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Negative
Phencyclidine- Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
The nurse is evaluating teaching for the client who is newly prescribed methadone for opioid use disorder. Which of the following client statements indicate that the teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
- A. I can take an additional tablet if my cravings are not managed with one tablet.
- B. I need to rise slowly to a standing position while taking this medication.
- C. I should not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. I should stop taking this medication if I notice adverse effects.
- E. I will contact the health care provider if I experience dizziness or heart palpitations.
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: B: Rising slowly prevents orthostatic hypotension, a methadone side effect. C: Avoiding alcohol reduces CNS depression risk. E: Reporting dizziness or palpitations ensures timely management of adverse effects. A is incorrect as extra doses require provider approval, and D is incorrect as stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal.
The nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit.
History
Admission
0500: The client is admitted with an abscess and cellulitis of the right leg. The abscess is noted on the lateral aspect of the right calf, with redness, swelling, and warmth extending from the knee to the ankle. The abscess was incised in the emergency department, and a moderate amount of purulent, yellowish-green drainage was noted. The leg was wrapped with gauze, and the client received the first dose of IV antibiotics and opioids for pain control.
The client reports chronic lower back pain and gastrosophageal reflux disease, and he was admitted to the hospital once last year for gastrointestinal bleeding. He is currently prescribed daily pantoprazole but takes it only a few times a week.
Vital signs: T 100.9 F (38.3 C), P 82, RR 14, BP 130/80, SpO, 95% on room air
Progress Notes
Medical-Surgical Unit
2300:
The client reports nausea, headache, and insomnia. The client is trembling, diaphoretic, and restless.
The client states, "I would sleep better if those mice and cats would stop climbing up and down the walls."
The upper portion of the clients dressing is saturated with yellowish-green drainage. The peripheral V was removed by the client, and dried blood is noted at the IV site. The IV catheter is on the floor. The client yelled and pushed the nurse's hands away during inspection of the IV site.
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, RR 18, BP 170/96, SpO≥ 95% on room air
Select client findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. The client reports nausea, headache, and insomnia.
- B. The client is trembling, diaphoretic, and restless.
- C. The client states, 'I would sleep better if those mice and cats would stop climbing up and down the walls.'
- D. The upper portion of the client's dressing is saturated with yellowish-green drainage.
- E. The peripheral IV was removed by the client, and dried blood is noted at the IV site.
- F. The IV catheter is on the floor. The client yelled and pushed the nurse's hands away during inspection of the IV site.
- G. Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, RR 18, BP 170/96, SpO2 95% on room air
Correct Answer: B,C,D,F,G
Rationale: Trembling, diaphoresis, restlessness, hallucinations, saturated dressing, removed IV, aggressive behavior, and elevated pulse and blood pressure indicate potential withdrawal, infection, or sepsis, requiring urgent attention.
The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department after
becoming short of breath at school.
History and Physical
General
Well-nourished child; currently sitting in the tripod position; patches of dry, scaly, reddened skin are present in the creases of bilateral elbows and behind both knees; client reports that these areas itch
Neurological
Alert and oriented to person, place, and time
Eye, Ear, Nose, andThroat (EENT)
Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation; client reports no nasal congestion
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 34, SpO 92% on room air, airway patent, intercostal retractions noted during inspiration; expiratory wheezes auscultated bilaterally; dry, spasmodic cough is noted; no stridor; difficulty speaking in complete sentences
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 110, BP 94/60; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; nom murmurs noted; peripheral pulses 2+; capillary refill 3 seconds; no edema
Gastrointestinal
Abdomen soft; bowel sounds normal
Psychosocial
Client appears anxious and is crying, client speaks in short phrases, stating, "left my medicine at a friend's house" and "feels like I can't breathe"; client cannot remember the name of the prescribed home medication; client's parents were notified and are en route to hospital
Progress Notes
0910:
Client's parents were spoken to over the phone. Last evening, the client spent the night at a friend's housewhere some family members smoke cigarettes and have a pet cat that lives in the home.
Medical history:
No accidents or injuries were reported, vaccinations are up to date, mild persistent asthma was diagnosed at age 7, and client has atopic dermatitis.
Allergies: No known allergies.
Family history:
Client is an only child. Parents report having no known medical conditions. Paternal grandfather died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and maternal grandmother has heart disease.
Social history:
Client lives with parents; they do not smoke cigarettes. There are no pets in the client's home.
Current medications:
Beclomethasone inhaler 2 puffs twice a day, albuterol (salbutamol) inhaler 2 puffs
every 4 hours as needed for quick relief of symptoms.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Administering a dose of oral prednisone
- B. Administering nebulized albuterol (salbutamol) and ipratropium bromide
- C. Encouraging a semi-Fowler position
- D. Initiating humidified, high-flow oxygen therapy
- E. Placing a continuous pulse oximeter on the client
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: A: Oral prednisone reduces airway inflammation in asthma exacerbations. B: Nebulized albuterol and ipratropium relieve bronchospasm. C: Semi-Fowler position aids breathing by reducing diaphragm pressure. E: Continuous pulse oximetry monitors oxygenation status.
Nurses' Notes
0930:
The client reports shortness of breath and left-sided chest pain for 2 days. The client fractured the right femoral neck a month ago after a fall and decided against operative management. Since then, the client has been wheelchair dependent and takes acetaminophen for fracture pain management. The client was placed on continuous cardiac monitoring.
History and physical
Body System
Neurological
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 22, SpOz 89% on room air; bilateral breath sounds are clear; pain increases with inhalation; the client reports shortness of breath for the past 2 days; the client smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 10 years.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60; S1 and S2 are present; there are no murmurs, redness and edema of the right lower extremity are noted; sinus tachycardia is seen on the monitor, chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
Musculoskeletal
The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
Select the findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
- B. Vital signs are RR 22, SpO2 89% on room air;
- C. Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60;
- D. chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
- E. The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
- G.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: B: SpO2 of 89% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate oxygen supplementation. C: Tachycardia (P 110) and low BP (110/60) suggest cardiovascular instability, needing urgent evaluation. D: Severe chest pain (7/10) warrants immediate investigation for potential cardiac or pulmonary issues. A: Anxiety is noted but not immediately life-threatening. E: Musculoskeletal issues are chronic and do not require immediate follow-up.
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