Nokea
The nurse is caring for a 24-year-old client.
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
1300:
The client is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision in which the driver's side airbag deployed.
The client was driving the vehicle and was not restrained by a seat belt. The client reports shortness of breath and chest
pain on inspiration and expiration.
History and Physical
Body System ,Findings
Neurological,
Awake, alert, and oriented to person; pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation; client is
agitated and moves all extremities spontaneously but does not follow commands
Integumentary, Superficial lacerations to the face; diffuse bruising noted on upper extremities and chest wall
Pulmonary,
Vital signs: RR 30, SpOz 92% via nonrebreather mask; unilateral chest wall expansion observed on inspiration;
left-sided tracheal deviation noted; breath sounds diminished throughout the right lung field
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs: P 104, BP 90/58; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; all pulses palpable; no extremity peripheral edema
noted
Psychosocial ,Alcohol odor noted on the client's breath
Drag words from the choices below to fill in the blank/blanks.The nurse understands that the client is most at risk for------------and------------
- A. Sepsis
- B. Delirium tremens
- C. Respiratory failure
- D. Deep venous thrombosis
- E. Decreased cardiac output
Correct Answer: E,C
Rationale: The nurse understands that the client is most at risk for respiratory failure and decreased cardiac output.
Decreased cardiac output is the most concerning complication in a client with a tension pneumothorax. The trapped air in a tension
pneumothorax causes increased pressure, compressing the affected lung more until it is completely collapsed and then compressing the
heart and great vessels (vena cava, aorta), ultimately inhibiting venous return.
If the pleural pressure continues to increase, eventually the pleural cavity will crowd the trachea, forcing it to deviate (shift) to the unaffected
side where the unaffected lung can be compressed. Clients are at high risk for respiratory failure due to hypoxemia. Without treatment, the
lungs cannot meet the demands for oxygenation and the client will die.
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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.The licensed practical nurse should assist the registered nurse to prepare the client for emergency--------------------------
- A. colonoscopy
- B. CT angiography
- C. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should assist in preparing the client for emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). An EGD involves
passing an endoscope down the esophagus to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (Gl) structures (eg, esophagus, stomach,
duodenum), identify the source of the bleed, and perform interventions to stop the bleeding (eg, hemostatic clipping). To
prepare the client for EGD, the nurse should ensure NPO status has been initiated to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Interventions to stabilize the client (eg, IV fluids, blood transfusion) are often initiated before EGD.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
1100:
The client has experienced enuresis at night for the past 2 weeks and frequently requests to use the
bathroom while at school. The client was previously toilet trained with no nighttime bed wetting for 6 months;
the client recently relocated to a new home and school where the client lives with parents.
The parent reports that the client has recently demonstrated fatigue, irritability, and multiple behavioral
outbursts that resemble past temper tantrums. The client frequently reports feeling thirsty. No dysuria or
urinary hesitancy is reported.
Weight and height were in the 40th percentiles at the previous visit a year ago. Growth charts today show
the client's weight in the 20th percentile and height in the 40th percentile.
The client appears tired and irritable. Dry mucous membranes are noted with no increased work of
breathing. The lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. No cardiac murmur is heard.
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Laboratory Results.Three days later, the school nurse is called to the play area because the client is diaphoretic and becomes unconscious. The school nurse notices the clients medical alert bracelet and obtains a blood glucose level. Which action should the school nurse take after reading the blood glucose level?
- A. Administer subcutaneous glucagon
- B. Administer subcutaneous regular insulin
- C. Encourage the client to take sips of an electrolyte drink
- D. Provide the client with a snack containing 15 g of simple carbohydrates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid growth and unpredictable eating patterns place a child with diabetes mellitus at high risk for hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia can occur rapidly and can be life-threatening. Clinical manifestations primarily result from lack of glucose to the
brain (and other vital organs) followed by rapid activation of the sympathetic nervous system:
• Pallor and diaphoresis
• Tremors
• Palpitations and tachycardia
• Altered mental status, irritability, slurred speech, confusion
• Dizziness
If hypoglycemia is suspected, the nurse should immediately obtain a blood glucose level. Clients with hypoglycemia who are
unconscious cannot tolerate oral carbohydrates. Therefore, the nurse should rapidly administer glucagon by injection (eg.
subcutaneous, IM) or apply a glucose paste to the gums. Glucagon increases blood glucose levels by rapidly converting
stored glycogen in the liver into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis
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.
Nurses' Notes
Outpatient Clinic
Initial
visit
The child recently started attending a new preschool and hit a teacher during lunch. The parent says, "My
child has never been aggressive before but has always been particular about food."
The client was born at full term without complications and has no significant medical history. The child
started babbling at age 6 months, and the parent reports that the first words were spoken around age 12
months. The client then became quiet and "obsessed" with stacking blocks and organizing toys by color.
The child can kick a ball, draw a circle, pedal a tricycle, and now says two-word phrases. Vitals signs are
normal, and the client is tracking adequately on growth curves.
During the evaluation, the child sits in the corner of the room playing with blocks. The client does not follow
the parents gaze when the parent points to toys in the office. The child begins screaming and rocking back
and forth when the health care provider comes near.
The client is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The nurse recognizes that clients with ASD are at risk for which of the following complications? Select all that apply.
- A. Impaired interpersonal relationships
- B. Learning difficulties
- C. Malnutrition
- D. Self-harm behaviors
- E. Sleep disturbances
Correct Answer: A,BC,D,E
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begins in the developmental period, and symptoms tend to persist throughout the lifespan.
Clients with ASD are more prone to medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial impairments. These impairments include the
following:
• Impaired interpersonal relationships: Clients with ASD may be disinterested in social interaction and have difficulty
showing affection and interpreting conversation
• Learning difficulties: Clients with ASD may have trouble focusing on tasks and have a limited range of learning
interests (eg, preferring only math), making it challenging to engage them in other areas of learning (Option 2).
• Malnutrition: Clients with ASD can have a narrowed interest in foods, resulting in insufficient intake of necessary
nutrients. In addition, clients with ASD often experience gastrointestinal disturbances, including constipation and
diarrhea, due to narrowed food intake
• Self-harm behaviors: Changes in routine and environment can trigger repetitive or harmful behaviors (eg, head-
banging, hand-biting). When self-harm behaviors persist into adulthood, they may be preceded by suicide attempts
related to coexisting psychiatric comorbidities (eg, depression, anxiety)
• Sleep disturbances: Clients with ASD often experience difficulty falling and staying asleep. Hyperresponsiveness to
sensory stimulation (eg, lights, noises, sensations) can also contribute to disruptive sleeping patterns
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
Complete the following sentence/sentences by choosing from the list/lists of options. he nurse should prioritize interventions for------- due to the client's -----
- A. Malnutrion
- B. Suicidal Behavior
- C. Substance withdrawal
- D. Recent weight loss
- E. Thoughts of self harm
- F. History of cocaine and marijuana use
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize interventions for suicidal behavior due to the client's thoughts of self-harm.
This client has several predisposing factors that increase the risk of suicide, including a psychiatric disorder, previous suicide
attempt, stressful life events (eg, divorce), and substance use. However, the strongest single factor predictive of suicide is the
history of a prior suicide attempt (eg, jumping off a building). The nurse should anticipate implementation of suicide
precautions (eg, 1-to-1 observation).