The nurse is caring for a 20-year-old female client.
Nurses' Notes
Urgent Care Clinic
0845: The parent brought the client to the clinic due to vomiting and weakness. The parent states that the client has experienced
sore throat and nasal congestion for the past week. The client has had 4 episodes of emesis during the past 24 hours and
diffuse, constant abdominal pain. The parent also reports that the client has had increased thirst and urine output over the
past 2 months.
The client's last menstrual period ended approximately 6 weeks ago with no abnormalities. Pregnancy status is unknown. The
client does not take any medications and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational substances. Family history includes
hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
The client appears drowsy and is oriented to person and time only. The abdomen is soft without rigidity or rebound
tenderness, and bowel sounds are normal. No blood is present in emesis. Respirations are rapid and deep. Breath sounds
are clear.
Vital signs are T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 128, RR 30, and BP 88/60 mm Hg.
Finger-stick blood glucose level is 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L).
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 0900
Glucose, serum (random)
≤200 mg/dL
(<11.1 mmol/L),
573 mg/dL
(31.8 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
5.7 mEq/L
(5.7 mmol/L)
Drag words from the choices below to fill in the blanks. The nurse gathers supplies for medication administration. The nurse recognizes that the priority prescriptions are -------and ----------
- A. 50% dextrose IV PRN
- B. 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus
- C. Potassium chloride IV PRN|
- D. Regular insulin continuous IV infusion
- E. 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride IV infusion
Correct Answer: E,B
Rationale: The priority intervention for management of diabetic ketoacidosis is fluid resuscitation with isotonic IV fluid, typically starting with large-voli
0.9% sodium chloride IV boluses (eg, 1 L/hr) to prevent life-threatening hypovolemic shock. Fluid resuscitation also helps normalize
glucose and electrolyte levels via hemodilution. After initial large-volume boluses are complete, either hypotonic or isotonic IV fluids are
administered at continuous rate. Administration of regular insulin continuous IV infusion is also essential to correct hyperglycemia.
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The nurse is performing a home health visit for an 84-year-old male.
History and Physical
Body System, Findings
General,
Client reports a 1-month-long history of fatigue and dyspnea that has worsened; he is unable to lie
flat and sleeps in a chair at night, medical history includes myocardial infarction, chronic heart
failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus; client
was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia 8 months ago; client is adherent with prescribed
medications; client reports frequent consumption of donuts, hamburgers, steak, and fried chicken;
BMI is 34 kg/m?; client reports 6-Ib (2.7-kg) weight gain in 1 week
Neurological,
Alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation
Pulmonary,
Vital signs: RR 24, SpOz 88% on room air; labored breathing, crackles in bilateral lung bases; client
expectorates frothy, pink-tinged sputum; client has a 40-year history of smoking 1 pack of cigarettes
per day
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs: T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 98, BP 113/92; S1, S2, and S3 present; 3+ bilateral lower extremity
edema
Genitourinary, Concentrated yellow urine; client reports increased urinary hesitancy and urgency
Psychosocial,
Client reports being lonely and has depressed mental status
Complete the following sentence/sentences by choosing from the list/lists of options. The nurse should recognize that the client is most likely experiencing--------------as evidenced by------------------
- A. High BMI
- B. Obstructive sleep apnea
- C. A heart failure exacerbation
- D. A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation
- E. Orthopnea
- F. History of smoking
Correct Answer: C,E
Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client is most likely experiencing a heart failure (HF) exacerbation, as evidenced by
orthopnea. Orthopnea (ie, labored breathing in the supine position), decreased capillary oxygen saturation, extra heart tones
(eg, S3), bilateral lower extremity edema, >5 lb [2.3 kg] weight gain in 1 week, and adventitious lung sounds (eg, crackles)
indicate fluid overload
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
The nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching to the client. Which of the following client statements indicate that the teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
- A. I am glad that I can continue to enjoy my morning cup of coffee.
- B. "I can use aspirin to manage the pain in my knee.
- C. I will drink alcohol with food to prevent more stomach ulcers
- D. I will immediately report any dark stools to my health care provider.
- E. "I will request a prescription for varenicline from my health care provider."
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: It is important that clients with peptic ulcer disease understand the signs and symptoms of a recurrence of gastrointestinal
bleeding (ie, melena, hematemesis). If these symptoms occur, the client should immediately notify the health care provider
to prevent life-threatening complications (eg, hemorrhagic shock) (Option 4).
To prevent new peptic ulcer formation or exacerbation, the nurse should instruct clients to limit activities that stimulate
production of gastric acid and impair ulcer healing (eg, smoking). Varenicline is a partial nicotine agonist that aids in smoking
cessation and may be useful for this client
The nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes,
Emergency Department
1020:
The client reports shortness of breath, a 2-lb weight gain over the past week, and lower extremity swelling. The client
reports slight chest discomfort during activity that is relieved with rest. Medical history is significant for hypertension.
myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and chronic stable angina. Current medications include
metoprolol, furosemide, potassium chloride, lisinopril, and aspirin. The client takes all medications as prescribed except
one; he states, "I do not take that water pill because I got tired of having to go to the bathroom all the time."
S1 and S2 are present; a prominent S3 is heard. Respirations are labored with inspiratory crackles in the middle and at the
base of the lungs. The abdomen is soft and nontender with normoactive bowel sounds. There is 3+ pitting edema in the
bilateral lower extremities.
Vital Signs,
1020
T ,98.8 F (37.1 C)
P, 60
RR, 24
BP, 168/96
SpO2, 90% on room air
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 1030
Sodium
136-145 mEq/L
(136-145 mmol/L),
133 mEq/L
(133 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
6.5 mEq/L
(6.5 mmol/L)
BUN
10-20 mg/dL
(3.6-7.1 mmol/L),
22 mg/dL
(7.85 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.3 mg/dL
(53-114.9 umol/L),
1.5 mg/dL
(132.6 umol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
(44.2-97.2 umol/L)
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes, Vital Signs, and Laboratory Results.The nurse is reviewing the client's response to potassium-lowering therapies. Which finding is unexpected and requires follow-up by the
nurse?
- A. Blood glucose level and diaphoresis
- B. Blood pressure and heart rate
- C. Crackles and peripheral edema
- D. Serum potassium level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Treatment for hyperkalemia includes administration of calcium gluconate, furosemide, albuterol nebulizer, and insulin with dextrose. These
therapies may cause rapid shifts in fluid volume, blood glucose, and serum electrolytes. Insulin shifts available glucose and potassium into
the cell, lowering serum potassium levels; however, too much insulin and not enough dextrose cause hypoglycemia (eg, blood glucose 50
mg/dL [2.7 mmol/L]). Clients with kidney disease have an increased risk of hypoglycemia because insulin may accumulate.
The nurse should understand that a low blood glucose level and symptoms suspicious for hypoglycemia (eg, diaphoresis) require follow-u
to prevent seizures, coma, and death due to lack of circulating glucose (Option 1). This client requires an additional dose of dextrose.
(Option 2) This client's blood pressure is 146/88 mm Hg and heart rate is within normal limits. This is an improvement from the initial blood
pressure and represents a therapeutic response to furosemide administration. Blood pressure should be lowered slowly to avoid hypotensior
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.
For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or separation anxiety disorder. Each finding may support more than one disease process.
- A. Ritualized pattern of behavior
- B. Disinterest in social interaction
- C. Lack of spontaneous eye contact
- D. Restricted, fixated thoughts or interests
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) range in severity from one individual to another. Clients often demonstrate a
ritualized pattern of behavior, resulting in distress and self-harm (eg, hitting the head) in response to changes in routine or
environment. Other manifestations include disinterest in social interaction, deficiency in verbal and nonverbal
communication (eg, lack of spontaneous eye contact or facial expressions), and restricted, fixated thoughts or interests
(eg, attached to unusual objects).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions (ie, restricted, fixated thoughts, impulses, or
images) and compulsions (ie, ritualistic, repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety or prevent an adverse event).
These compulsions are time consuming and cause significant distress. In contrast to those with OCD, clients with ASD are not
bothered about their preoccupations or mannerisms and do not desire to change. Clients with OCD do not have issues with
social interaction or social-emotional reciprocity (eg, poor eye contact).
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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