The nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client in the emergency department.
History Physical Vital Signs
Admission: The client comes to the emergency department with progressively worsening back pain that began 3 weeks ago. The pain has become significantly worse over the past 12 hours. Pain level is rated as 8 on a scale of 0-10. The client was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has had a poor response to treatment. This morning, the client had trouble walking and reports decreased sensation in the feet. The client also reports mild nausea, difficulty urinating, decreased urinary sensation, and no bowel movement in the past 3 days
For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of spinal cord compression or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
- A. Back pain
- B. Confusion
- C. Constipation
- D. Urinary retention
- E. Numbness in lower extremities
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Back pain , constipation , urinary retention , and numbness are typical of spinal cord compression. Confusion is associated with SIADH.
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The newborn nurse is attending births in the labor and delivery unit.
Nurses' Notes
Labor and Delivery Unit
0000: A 39-year-old client, gravida 4 para 3, at 38 weeks gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit reporting contractions every 2-3 min. During this pregnancy, the client was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus and prescribed insulin, but she reports not taking the insulin. The client reports cigarette smoking (3-5 cigarettes/day) but denies alcohol or recreational drug use. The client received treatment for bacterial vaginosis during the second trimester. The client has gained 55 lb (25 kg) during the pregnancy. Group B Streptococcus result is negative. 1400: The newborn is delivered via forceps-assisted vaginal birth at
1400. The newborn was immediately placed in skin-to-skin contact with the mother, dried, and stimulated. Apgar scores are 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes
1405: Newborn vital signs are T 97.3 F (36.3 C), P 156, and RR 52.
1415: Newborn weight is obtained. The newborn is 9 lb 15 oz (4500 g). The maternal client is assisted to latch the newborn onto the breast.
1430: Slight bruising to the scalp is noted where forceps were applied. Newborn vital signs are T 97.2 F (36.2 C), P 160, RR 55, and SpO 95% on room air.
Which of the following findings indicate that the newborn's condition has declined? Select all that apply.
- A. Axillary temperature is 96.3 F (35.7 C) and respirations are 84/min
- B. Blood glucose level is 32 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) prior to feeding
- C. Newborn is jittery and has a high-pitched cry
- D. Newborn is turning toward the breast while in skin-to-skin contact with the mother
- E. One wet diaper and no stools are noted since birth
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Hypothermia , hypoglycemia , and jitteriness indicate decline, requiring intervention.
The nurse is assisting the registered nurse with caring for a client who is at 36 weeks gestation. History and Physical Vital Signs
General - Client is gravida 2 para 1 at 36 weeks gestation; reports a throbbing headache rated as / on a scale of 0-10, blurred vision, and epigastric pain; client states that she took 1000 mg of acetaminophen 2 hours ago with no relief, medical history includes seasonal allergies and exercise-induced asthma
Neurological -Patellar deep tendon reflexes 2+ bilaterally, clonus absent
Cardiovascular -Heart tones normal; facial edema noted; +2 pitting edema in bilateral upper extremities; +3 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities
Gastrointestinal -Client reports fetal movement, no contractions noted; soft uterine resting tone on palpation
Genitourinary -Cervical examination: 1 cm dilated, 0% effaced, -3 fetal station, cephalic fetal presentation, amniotic membranes intact; cesarean birth 5 years ago at 40 weeks gestation for breech fetal presentation, resulting in delivery of healthy newborn
Which finding is a priority for the nurse?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Cervical examination
- C. Deep tendon reflexes
- D. Gestational age of fetus Body
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure is a critical finding in suspected preeclampsia, indicating a risk for severe complications.
The nurse is caring for a 21-year-old client.
Nurses' Notes History and Physical Vital Signs
Emergency Department
0800: The client comes to the emergency department due to fear of having a heart attack. The client reports, "I was taking the bus home from work when my chest started feeling really tight. I'm lucky my friend was there and able to help me get to the hospital. What if my friend is not there next time?" The client describes experiencing similar episodes recently at random places and times and worries about when or where the next attack will occur
Which of the following statements by the nurse are appropriate to include in the teaching? Select all that apply
- A. Avoid driving after taking alprazolam.'
- B. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts.'
- C. Do not abruptly stop taking alprazolam because you may experience withdrawal symptoms.'
- D. Limit alcoholic beverages to no more than one drink a day while taking alprazolam.'
- E. Take sertraline at the onset of a panic attack.'
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Alprazolam requires avoiding driving , monitoring for suicidal thoughts , and gradual tapering . Alcohol limits are stricter, and sertraline is not for acute attacks.
The nurse is caring for a 16-year-old client.
History and Physical Laboratory Results
Body System- Findings
General- The client comes to the emergency department with pain in the upper back, both knees, and the lower legs that is rated as 9 on a scale of 0-10; medical history includes sickle cell disease; the client reports attending an outdoor sports camp for the past 4 days; the client appears restless with frequent position changes and facial grimacing
Neurological- The client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time
Pulmonary- Vital signs: RR 24, SpOz 95% on room air, breath sounds are clear bilaterally Cardiovascular- Vital signs: T 98.4 F (36.9 C), P 120, BP 130/78; S1 and S2 are auscultated with no murmurs, continuous cardiac monitor shows sinus tachycardia
Gastrointestinal- The abdomen is soft and nontender with normal bowel sounds; the client vomited 30 mL of clear liquid
Musculoskeletal- The client has multiple, tender, bony points
Genitourinary- The client voided 50 mL of clear, amber-colored urine
Click to highlight below the 4 findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. Pain in the upper back, both knees, and the lower legs that is rated as 9 on a scale of 0-10; medical history includes sickle cell disease, the client reports attending an outdoor sports camp for the past 4 days
- B. The client appears restless with frequent position changes and facial grimacing
- C. Vital signs: RR 24, SpO2 95% on room air; breath sounds are clear bilaterally
- D. Vital signs: T 98.4 F (36.9 C), P 120, BP 130/78; S1 and S2 are auscultated with no murmurs; continuous cardiac monitor shows sinus tachycardia
- E. The client vomited 30 mL of clear liquid
- F. The client has multiple, tender, bony points
- G. The client voided 50 mL of clear, amber-colored urine
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Severe pain , distress signs , tachycardia , and bony tenderness indicate a sickle cell crisis, requiring urgent management.
The nurse is caring for a 6-year-old client accompanied by the parents.
History and Physical
Body System
Findings
General
Client is brought to the emergency department due to
shortness of breath; medical history includes cystic fibrosis
and many previous hospital admissions for pneumonia; in the
3rd percentile for height and weight
Neurological
Alert and oriented to person, place, and time; no neurologic
deficits
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 30, SpO, 87% on room air; moderate
subcostal retractions; bilateral wheezing and coarse crackles
throughout lung fields with fine inspiratory crackles at left lung
base; paroxysmal coughing that produces thick, yellow,
blood-tinged sputum; parents report that the client has begun
to become "winded" after showering and other activities Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 101.7 F (38.7 C), P 130, BP 94/58; skin warm
and dry; peripheral pulses palpable 2+; capillary refill 3
econds; mild finger clubbing noted
Gastrointestinal
Abdomen soft with normoactive bowel sounds; parent states,
"Swallowing the enzyme capsules is very difficult for my child,
and I have noticed an increase in greasy, bulky stools"
Which of the following client findings are consistent with a cystic fibrosis exacerbation? Select all that apply.
- A. Blood-tinged sputum
- B. Greasy, bulky stools
- C. Paroxysmal coughing
- D. SpO2 of 87% on room air
- E. Temperature of 101.7 F (38.7 C)
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Cystic fibrosis exacerbations often present with increased respiratory symptoms (A, C, D), fever , and malabsorption issues due to pancreatic insufficiency.
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