Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
A newborn is brought to the emergency department due to coughing and difficulty feeding. The client was born at home 6 hours ago via spontaneous vaginal birth. With each attempt to breastfeed, the client coughs, vomits, and "turns blue." The mother did not receive prenatal care. She reports a history of opioid use disorder but reports no opioid use during pregnancy.
Vital signs: T 98.6 F (37 C), P 120, RR 50, and SpO, 95% on room air. Abdominal distension is present. Ballard scoring estimates the client at 37 weeks gestation. Weight and length are consistent with the 25th and 50th percentiles for estimated age, respectively.
1 Hour Later
After attempting a bottle feed with 10 mL of formula, the client has a coughing episode, and there is formula mixed with saliva in the mouth. Coarse breath sounds are noted bilaterally with intercostal retractions. S1 and S2 are present with no murmurs. Neurologic examination shows normal neuromuscular findings.
A nasogastric tube insertion is attempted per prescription by the health care provider, and resistance is met at 10 cm of insertion.
During a diaper change, the client becomes cyanotic with frothy secretions from the mouth and nose. What action should nurse perform first?
- A. Activate the rapid response team
- B. Initiate rescue breathing with a bag valve mask
- C. Perform nasal and oropharyngeal suction
- D. Prepare the newborn for intubation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Suctioning clears the airway of frothy secretions, addressing the immediate cause of cyanosis. This is the first priority before other interventions.
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The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client in the emergency department.
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
Diagnostic Results
CT pulmonary angiography
1030: Pulmonary embolism is confirmed
Lower extremity doppler ultrasound
1100: Deep venous thrombosis is noted in the right lower extremity.
For each potential prescription, click to specify if the prescription is anticipated or contraindicated for the care of the client.
- A. Heparin infusion
- B. Acetaminophen PRN for pain
- C. Physical therapy for mobility exercises
- D. Supplemental oxygen to maintain SpO2 ≥ 90%
- E. Sequential compression devices to bilateral lower extremities
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: A: Heparin infusion is anticipated to treat pulmonary embolism and DVT by preventing further clot formation. B: Acetaminophen is anticipated for pain management, as it is safe for this client. C: Physical therapy is contraindicated due to the acute PE and DVT, as mobilization could dislodge clots. D: Supplemental oxygen is anticipated to correct hypoxemia (SpO2 89%). E: Sequential compression devices are contraindicated, as DVT is already present, and they could dislodge the clot.
The nurse is caring for a 12-month-old male client.
History and Physical
Body System
General
The client is brought to the emergency department by the parents due to increased leg bruising and left knee swelling for 1 day; the parents report that the client seems more tired and less playful; both parents and the sister are healthy, but a maternal uncle died at age 7 after mild head trauma.
Integumentary
Good hygiene; no abrasions; no burns; bilateral scattered lower extremity bruising
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
The parents report that the client's gums have been bleeding when chewing on crackers
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 38, SpO 100% on room air, upper respiratory infection 3 weeks ago that completely resolved after 4 days.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 98.7 F (37.1 C), P 136
Musculoskeletal
Left knee redness and swelling with limited range of motion; the client can bear weight on both lower extremities; the parents state the child has recently started learning to walk by holding onto furniture and sometimes falls
Genitourinary
The parents state that urine output has been normal; urine is clear and pale yellow; the penis is uncircumcised
Psychosocial
The client is cooperative during examination; the client appears appropriately dressed for the season and weather; the mother says the child has no interest in toilet-training.
Laboratory Results.
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Hematology.
Hematocrit
1-6 years: 39% (0.39)
30%-40%:
(0.30-0.40)
WBC
<_ 2 years: 8000/mm3 (8.0 × 10%/L)
6200-17,000/mm3
(6.2-17.0 × 10°/L)
Platelets
150,000-400,000/mm3: 163,000/mm3 (163 × 10°/L)
(150-400 × 10°/L)
aPTT (Activated partial thromboplastin time)
30-40 sec: 60 sec
PT
11-12.5 sec: 12 sec
Factor VIII
55%-145%: 6%
Factor IX
60%-140%: 100%
Which of the following statements by the client's parent indicate teaching was effective? Select all that apply.
- A. I can provide over-the-counter ibuprofen as needed for pain.
- B. If we have another child, there is a chance the child could have hemophilia too.
- C. My child should avoid playing contact sports.
- D. Tingling in the joints can be a sign of joint bleeding.
- E. We will need preventive clotting medicine only before major surgeries.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: B: Correct - Hemophilia A is X-linked, so future children may inherit it. C: Correct - Contact sports increase bleeding risk and should be avoided. D: Correct - Tingling indicates possible joint bleeding, requiring prompt attention. A: Incorrect - Ibuprofen can increase bleeding risk. E: Incorrect - Preventive factor replacement is often needed regularly, not just before surgeries.
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
For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of anaphylaxis or asthma exacerbation.
- A. Stridor
- B. Wheezing
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Hypotension
- E. Generalized flushing and itching
Correct Answer: B,C: Asthma; C,D,E: Anaphylaxis
Rationale: B: Wheezing is characteristic of asthma exacerbation due to bronchoconstriction. C: Tachycardia can occur in both asthma (from hypoxia or stress) and anaphylaxis (from systemic reaction). D: Hypotension is typical in anaphylaxis due to vasodilation and fluid shifts. E: Generalized flushing and itching are hallmarks of anaphylaxis due to histamine release.
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.
Prescriptions
0820:
• 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
• 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
• Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
• Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
• Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
• Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
• Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range: 1 day postoperative
WBC count:
5000-10.000/mm3 (5-10 × 10%L): 12,000/mm3 (12 × 10°/L)
Urea nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL (3.6-7.1 mmol/L): 24 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL(53-106 umol/L):
1.6 mg/dL (141.4 pmol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44-97 umol/L):
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5--5.0 mmol/L): 3.3 mEq/L (3.3 mmol/L)
Sodium
135-145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L): 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L)
Blood glucose level
74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L): 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Prescriptions and Laboratory Results. The nurse is planning care with the registered nurse. Select 2 prescriptions the nurse should anticipate initiating first.
- A. 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
- B. 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
- C. Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
- D. Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
- E. Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
- F. Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
- G. Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Correct Answer: A, F
Rationale: IV fluids (A) are critical to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, especially with vomiting and ileus. Potassium chloride (F) addresses the low potassium level (3.3 mEq/L). Dextrose is not needed with normal glucose (75 mg/dL). Ketorolac and ondansetron are as-needed, and pantoprazole is daily but less urgent. Clear liquids may exacerbate ileus.
The home health nurse is caring for a 45-year-old client who is prescribed peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease. For each of the actions performed by the client, click to specify whether the action is appropriate or not appropriate when performing peritoneal dialysis.
- A. Microwaves the dialysate bag prior to infusion
- B. Sits at a 20-degree angle during the exchange
- C. Wears a face mask when accessing the catheter
- D. Places the drainage bag below the abdomen during the drainage phase
- E. States, 'I will notify my health care provider if the dialysate outflow is cloudy'
- F. Changes positions to facilitate drainage if the output volume is less than the input volume
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: A: Not appropriate, as microwaving can unevenly heat the dialysate, risking burns or degradation. B: Not appropriate, as a higher angle (e.g., 45 degrees) or upright position is preferred to facilitate drainage. C: Appropriate, as wearing a face mask reduces infection risk. D: Appropriate, as placing the drainage bag below the abdomen uses gravity to facilitate outflow. E: Appropriate, as cloudy outflow may indicate peritonitis, requiring prompt reporting. F: Appropriate, as changing positions can help resolve drainage issues.
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