History and Physical
Body System,Findings
General
Client has history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diverticulosis, and
osteoarthritis; Helicobacter pylori infection 2 years ago; client reports taking over-the-counter
ibuprofen every 8 hours for left knee pain for the past 2 weeks; daily medications include aspirin,
carvedilol, lisinopril, and atorvastatin
Neurological
Alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 20, SpO 96% on room air, lung sounds clear bilaterally; no shortness of breath;
client smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day and smokes marijuana 1 or 2 times weekly
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: P 110, BP 90/62; no chest pain; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses
2+; client states feeling lightheaded and reports passing out about 1 hour ago
Gastrointestinal
Abdominal pain rated as 4 on a scale of 0-10; one episode of hematemesis; two episodes of
large, black, liquid stools in the morning
Musculoskeletal
Examination of the knees shows crepitus that is worse on the left; no swelling, warmth, or
erythema; range of motion is normal
Psychosocial
Client reports drinking 1 or 2 glasses of wine per day
Complete the following sentence/sentences by choosing from the list/lists of options.This client is most likely experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding related to ----------
- A. Diverticulosis
- B. Ulcerative colitis
- C. Peptic Ulcer disease
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client is most likely experiencing gastrointestinal GI) bleeding related to peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
The clients symptoms are most consistent with upper Gl bleeding. PUD is one of the most common causes of upper GI
bleeding due to erosion and ulceration of the protective layers (ie, mucosa) of the upper Gl tract (eg, esophagus, stomach,
duodenum). Impaired mucosa allows digestive enzymes and stomach acid to break down underlying tissues, leading to GI
bleeding and perforation. The client has multiple risk factors for PUD, including history of Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic
NSAID use, smoking, and daily alcohol consumption.
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Nurses Notes
Emergency Department
0900:
The client has new-onset tremors, extreme restlessness, nausea, and anxiety. The client recently had a back
injury and was prescribed tramadol. The client also takes sertraline for major depression. On examination,
the client is flushed and diaphoretic. The client's voice is tremulous. Mild rigidity and tremors are noted in the
lower extremities. Deep tendon reflexes are 3+. Pupillary dilation and ocular clonus are present.
Vital Signs
0900
T
100.9 F (38.3 C)
P
125
RR
20
BP
160/100
Sp02
99% on room air
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
0900
TSH
0.3-5 uU/mL
(0.3-5 mU/L)
2 pU/mL
(2 mU/L)
WBC
5000-10,000/mm3
(5.0-10.0 × 10%/L)
7800/mm3
(7.8 × 10%L)
The nurse is caring for a 42-year-old client in the emergency department. The nurse is reviewing the collected client data to assist with preparing the client's plan of care. Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to measure the client's progress.
- A. Administer phenytoin, Discontinue sertraline, Administer methimazole, Administer a benzodiazepine, Prepare to administer radioactive iodine
- B. Panic attack, Hyperthyroidism, Serotonin syndrome, Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- C. Clonus, TSH level, WBC count, Temperature, Feelings of impending doom
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome (ie, serotonin toxicity) is a life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin in the central nervous
system. Tramadol is an analgesic medication with serotonergic activity that can lead to serotonin syndrome when taken with a
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (eg, sertraline).
Clinical manifestations include mental status changes (eg, anxiety, restlessness, agitation), autonomic dysregulation (eg,
diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia), and neuromuscular hyperactivity. Treatment involves discontinuing all
serotonergic medications (eg, sertraline, tramadol) and administering a benzodiazepine to improve agitation and
decrease muscle contraction (eg, clonus), which reduces temperature.
History and Physical
Body System
Findings
General
Client reports a 1-week history of general malaise, fever and chills, night sweats, fatigue, and
poor appetite. Client has poorly controlled hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and mitral
valve prolapse and regurgitation.
Eye, Ear, Nose, and
Throat (EENT)
Poor dental hygiene. Client reports having 2 teeth extracted 3 weeks ago.
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18 and SpO, 96% on room air. Lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 105, and BP 140/82. Sinus tachycardia with occasional
premature ventricular contractions on cardiac monitor. S1 and S2 heard on auscultation with
loud systolic murmur at the apex. Peripheral pulses 2+; no edema noted.
Integumentary
Small, erythematous macular lesions on both palms. Thin, brown longitudinal lines on several
nail beds.
For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of infective endocarditis, pericarditis, or pneumonia. Each finding may support more than one disease process.
- A. New or worsening cardiac murmurs
- B. Muffled heart sounds on auscultation
- C. Splinter hemorrhages on the nail beds
- D. Presence of flu-like symptoms and fever
- E. Substernal pain that is aggravated by inspiration
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Infective endocarditis occurs when an infectious organism forms a vegetation on a heart valve (interior of the heart). Clients
often have nonspecific symptoms of infection such as fever, flu-like symptoms (myalgia, arthralgia), and malaise.
Vegetation on a heart valve makes the valve dysfunctional, creating a new or worsening cardiac murmur. Pieces of
endocardial vegetation can break off, forming microemboli that travel through the arteries to end-capillaries and block blood
flow (eg, splinter hemorrhages on the nail beds), and cause erythematous macular lesions on the palms or soles (Janeway
lesions).
Acute pericarditis is inflammation of the membranous sac surrounding the exterior of the heart (pericardium), which often
causes an increased fluid in the pericardial cavity (ie, pericardial effusion). If pericardial effusions accumulate rapidly or are
very large, they may compress the heart, altering the mechanics of the cardiac cycle (ie, cardiac tamponade). Clinical
manifestations of pericarditis include muffled heart sounds on auscultation, presence of flu-like symptoms and fever, and
substernal pain that is aggravated by inspiration (ie, pleuritic chest pain). Pericardial friction rub, a superficial scratching or
squeaky sound, may be present, but cardiac murmurs are not present (no valve involvement) and embolic phenomena are
uncommon.
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that results in the production of cellular debris and purulent secretions that obstruct the
alveoli and prevent adequate oxygenation. Clinical manifestations include the presence of flu-like symptoms and fever,
pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, low capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), crackles, and productive cough with purulent
sputum.
The nurse is caring for a 16-year-old client. History and Physical
Body System, Finding
General,
Client is brought to the emergency department due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that began 24 hr
ago. Client has type 1 diabetes mellitus and usually takes insulin. Parents state that the client was at an
overnight camp for the past 4 days and are unsure of how much insulin the client has been taking.
Neurological,
Client is lethargic but arousable to voice. The pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.
Integumentary,
Mucous membranes are dry, skin turgor is poor.
Pulmonary,
Vital signs are RR 36 and SpOz 95% on room air. Lung sounds are clear to auscultation. Deep respirations and a
fruity odor on the breath are noted.
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs are T 98.4 F (36.9 C), P 110, and BP 98/58. Pulses are 3+ on all extremities, and capillary refill time is
4 sec.
Gastrointestinal Normoactive bowel sounds are heard in all 4 quadrants; the abdomen is nontender.
Genitourinary,
Client voided dark yellow urine.
Endocrine,
Client is prescribed levothyroxine daily for hypothyroidism and has missed one dose of levothyroxine.
Psychosocial,
Parents state that the client has been sad and slightly withdrawn for the past 2 weeks after ending a romantic relationship.
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 1000, 1600
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose (random)
≤200 mg/dL
(≤11.1 mmol/L),
504 mg/dL
(28.0 mmol/L),
164 mg/dL
(9.1 mmol/L)
Sodium
136-145 mEq/L
(136-145 mmol/L),
133 mEq/L
(133 mmol/L),
135 mEq/L
(135 mmol/L)
Chloride
98-106 mEq/L
(98-106 mmol/L),
101 mEq/L
(101 mmol/L),
102 mEq/L
(102 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
5.6 mEq/L
(5.6 mmol/L),
3.2 mEq/L
(3.2 mmol/L)
Arterial Blood Gases
Arterial pH
7.35-7.45
(7.35-7.45),
7.20
(7.20),
7.31
(7.31)
HCOg
21-28 mEq/L
(21-28 mmol/L),
13 mEq/L
(13 mmol/L),
18 mEq/L
(18 mmol/L)
PaCO,
35-45 mm Hg
(4.66-5.98 kPa),
30 mm Hg
(3.99 KPa),
32 mm Hg
(4.26 kPa)
PaO,
80-100 mm Hg
(10.64-13.33 KPa),
90 mm Hg
(11.97 kPa),
90 mm Hg
(11.97 kPa)
Complete the following sentence by choosing from the lists of options. The nurse should first address the client's -------followed by the client's --------------
- A. Hypovolemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Hyperglycemia in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes osmotic diuresis that leads to severe dehydration. When hyperglycemia exceeds the
renal threshold of glucose absorption, glucosuria (excretion of glucose in urine) occurs. Water loss is increased due to osmotic diuresis
induced by glucosuria, and extreme dehydration, hypotension, and decreased organ perfusion occur.
The priority intervention in DKA is to initiate an IV fluid bolus with 0.9% sodium chloride followed by insulin administration to lower serum
glucose levels. Rapid fluid resuscitation should occur before insulin infusion because insulin shifts water, potassium, and glucose into the
cells, worsening extracellular dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, for clients with DKA, the nurse should first address
hypovolemia followed by hyperglycemia.
History and Physical
Body System
Findings
General
Client reports a 1-week history of general malaise, fever and chills, night sweats, fatigue, and
poor appetite. Client has poorly controlled hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and mitral
valve prolapse and regurgitation.
Eye, Ear, Nose, and
Throat (EENT)
Poor dental hygiene. Client reports having 2 teeth extracted 3 weeks ago.
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18 and SpO, 96% on room air. Lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 105, and BP 140/82. Sinus tachycardia with occasional
premature ventricular contractions on cardiac monitor. S1 and S2 heard on auscultation with
loud systolic murmur at the apex. Peripheral pulses 2+; no edema noted.
Integumentary
Small, erythematous macular lesions on both palms. Thin, brown longitudinal lines on several
nail beds.
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Diagnostic Results and Nurses' Notes. For each finding, click to specify whether the finding indicates that the client's status has not changed or has declined
- A. BP 102/70
- B. T 100.4 F (38 C)
- C. Peripheral pulses 1+
- D. Shortness of breath when recumbent
- E. Scattered crackles on lung auscultation
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Infective endocarditis (E) requires long-term antibiotic therapy (ie, 4-6 weeks). Fever (eg, T 100.4 F [38 C]) can persist for
several days despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.
In addition to the risk for systemic embolism (eg, stroke), clients with IE are at risk for heart failure if the involved valve
becomes dysfunctional. Decreased capillary oxygen saturation, shortness of breath when recumbent, and scattered
crackles on lung auscultation indicate fluid backup in the lungs. In addition, borderline low blood pressure (compared to
uncontrolled high blood pressure at admission) and decreased peripheral pulses (1+ vs 2+ on admission) indicate decreased
cardiac output and are concerning for heart failure.
History
Emergency Department
Admission: The client is brought to the emergency department for psychiatric evaluation after being found on the
roof of a seven-floor office tower screaming, "I am going to jump! Life is not worth living anymore!" The
client admits having attempted to jump off the building and wishes the police had not intervened. The
client reports that thoughts of self-harm have increased in intensity since a divorce 2 months ago. The
client's thoughts of self-harm are intermittent, with no reports of suicidal thoughts at the present time.
The client reports losing 10 pounds in the past month without trying, difficulty concentrating on tasks,
and feeling tired most of the day. No history of violence or trauma. The client reports recurring feelings
of worthlessness but no auditory/visual hallucinations or homicidal ideations.
Medical history includes seizures, but the client has not been taking prescribed levetiracetam. The client
reports smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for the past 3 years.
Vital signs: T 97.2 F (36.2 C), P 100, BP 153/70, RR 19
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range,Admission
Urine drug screen
Cocaine
Negative
Positive,
Opioid
Negative
Negative,
Amphetamines
Negative
Negative,
Marijuana
Negative
Positive,
Phencyclidine
Negative
Negative,
Benzodiazepines
Negative
Negative,
Barbiturates
Negative
Negative,
Breathalyzer
No alcoho detected
0.00
Nurses' Notes
Inpatient: Mental Health Unit
0900:
1200:
1500:
2000:
The client is inattentive, withdrawn, and depressed with low energy. The client's appearance is disheveled
with noted body odor. The client is declining breakfast and does not participate in group therapy. Education
was provided about the importance of participating in the treatment plan, and the client was encouraged to
shower.
The client is observed pacing back and forth in the room. The client is visibly upset and tearful and states, "I
can't live like this anymore. Everything in my life is going wrong." The client is encouraged to use deep
breathing and relaxation techniques to ease anxiety.
The client remains isolated to the room, pacing back and forth. The client rates depression as 6 on a scale of
0-10 and anxiety as 5 on a scale of 0-10.
The client was observed collecting blankets and storing them in the room behind the bed. When
approached, the client became defensive.
The nurse is caring for the client 4 days after admission. For each finding below, click to specify if the finding indicates that the client's status is improving or concerning.
- A. Client ate 80% of the meals and took a shower today.
- B. Client is seen joining group activities in the day room.
- C. Client states, "I feel more energetic today than I have in many months."
- D. Client is seen handing a personal watch and photo album to another client.
- E. Client reports depression 0/10 and states, "I feel a lot better. I think I know what I need to do now."
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Participation in group activities, increased appetite, and performing self-hygiene (eg, showering) indicate an
improvement in the client's status because the client was previously withdrawn with little interest in interacting with others or
performing self-care (eg, declining breakfast tray, body odor).
During the early phase of therapy with antidepressants (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [escitalopram]), the risk of
suicide may increase because clients can become more energized as the depression lifts, enabling them to carry out previous
suicide plans. The nurse should find concerning the client's statements about feeling more energized and "knowing what to
do now," which can indicate that the client has determined a plan for suicide and is at peace knowing the plan.
Giving away meaningful possessions (eg, watch, photo album) is concerning for an impending suicide attempt. The nurse
should ask directly about thoughts of suicide.
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