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
Select 5 findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. SpO, 92% via nonrebreather mask
- B. unilateral chest wall expansion observed on
inspiration - C. left-sided tracheal deviation noted;
- D. breath sounds diminished throughout the right lung
field - E. Superficial lacerations to the face
- F. BP 90/58; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; all pulses palpabl
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F
Rationale: The nurse should immediately follow up on the following findings:
• Hypoxemia (eg, SpO, 92% on 100% oxygen [nonrebreather mask]) indicates an abnormality with ventilation and/or perfusion.
• Unilateral chest wall expansion on inspiration indicates one side of the lung is not inflating. This is usually due to lung collapse,
which could be due to an internal airway dysfunction (eg, mucous plug blocking air entry) or external compression (eg, pneumothorax).
• Tracheal deviation (ie, displacement of the trachea to one side) occurs when pressure from one side of the chest is higher than the
other, pushing the mediastinal structures to the side with less pressure. This is usually due to a large hemothorax or pneumothorax.
• Diminished breath sounds indicate the lung is not adequately expanding (eg, atelectasis, pneumothorax).
• Hypotension (eg, BP 90/58 mm Hg) occurs from several mechanisms, including compression of the heart (eg, cardiac tamponade)
and/or great vessels (eg, tension pneumothorax), inadequate ventricular filling between heartbeats (eg, supraventricular tachycardia),
volume depletion, and other conditions
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
The nurse is caring for a 37-year-old client.
Admission Note
Antepartum Unit
1100:
The client, gravida 2 para 1 at 34 weeks gestation, is admitted to the hospital with right upper quadrant pain. The client
reports feeling extremely fatigued and nauseated and has vomited 3 times in the past 2 hours.
Physical examination shows right upper quadrant tenderness. Lower extremities have 2+ pitting edema; deep tendon
reflexes are 3+.
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, Admission
Hematology.
Platelets
150,000-400,000/mm3
(150-400 x 10°/L),
82,000/mm3
(82 x 10%/L)
Hemoglobin (pregnant)
>11 g/dL
(>110 g/L),
9.6 g/dL
(96 g/L)
Blood Chemistry.
Creatinine
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
(44.2-97.2 umol/L),
1.5 mg/dL
(114.4 umol/L)
Alanine aminotransferase
4-36 U/L
(0.07-0.60 ukat/L),
265 U/LI
(4.43 pkat/L)
Aspartate aminotransferase
0-35 U/LI
(0-0.58 ukat/L),
308 U/L
(5.14 ukat/L)
Lipase
0-160 U/L,
53 U/L
Amylase
30-220 U/L,
75 U/L
Urine Dipstick
Protein,
Increased
Vital Signs
1100
T,98.6 F (37 C)
P, 112
RR,20
BP,150/80
SpO2.98% on room air
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 the condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to measure the client's progress.
- A. Administer magnesium sulfate, Encourage small, frequent meals, Administer morphine, Prepare the client for birth, Administer a proton pump inhibitor
- B. Pancreatitis, HELLP syndrome, Hyperemesis gravidarum, Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- C. Lipase level, Urine ketones, Parameters to Monitor, Clotting factors, Postprandial pain , Deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer:
Rationale: HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count) syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy-related disorder that typically
occurs >20 weeks gestation. Although HELLP syndrome is often considered a variant of preeclampsia, clients can develop this syndrome
without hypertension or proteinuria. Clinical manifestations may include elevated liver enzymes, right upper quadrant pain (due to swelling of
the liver), malaise, nausea, and decreased platelet count.
Appropriate interventions include:
• Preparing the client for birth, which is the only definitive treatment
• Assisting with the initiation of magnesium sulfate infusion for seizure prophylaxis
• Administering antihypertensive medications PRN to help prevent stroke
• Evaluating deep tendon reflexes frequently to monitor for hyperreflexia and clonus, which may indicate increased central nervous
system irritability and precede eclampsia; hyporeflexia may indicate magnesium toxicity.
• Monitoring clotting factors to evaluate bleeding risk and monitor for disseminated intravascular coagulation, a complication of HELLP
syndrome
The nurse is caring for a 64-year-old client.
History and Physical
Body System, Findings
General ,
The client reports a 24-hour history of blurred vision and redness in the left eye with a left-sided headache.
This evening, the client developed acute, severe pain in the left eye accompanied by occasional nausea and
vomiting. The client reports no use of systemic or topical eye medications. Medical history includes
osteoarthritis and hypercholesterolemia.
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT),
The client wears eyeglasses to correct farsighted vision. Right eye: pupil 2 mm and reactive to light,
conjunctiva clear. Left eye: pupil 4 mm and nonreactive to light with red conjunctiva. Bilateral lens opacity is noted.
Pulmonary,
Vital signs are RR 20 and SpO, 96% on room air. The lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally.
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 88, and BP 140/82.
Psychosocial,
The client reports a great deal of emotional stress following the recent death of the client's spouse that is accompanied by lack of sleep, poor appetite, and a 7.9-lb (3.6-kg) weight loss within the past month. The client takes diphenhydramine for sleep.
The practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse with preparing the client's plan of care. Which of the following interventions are appropriate to include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Administer mannitol IV
- B. Administer ondansetron IV
- C. Implement fall precautions
- D. Instruct the client to avoid blowing the nose
- E. Place a patch over the client's left eye
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: In addition to ophthalmic medications (eg, beta blockers, cholinergic medications) and oral or IV carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, clients with
acute angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) require the following measures to prevent further vision loss and ensure safety:
• Administration of an osmotic diuretic (eg, mannitol) to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Mannitol increases plasma oncotic
pressure, pulling water from the extravascular space into the intravascular space. This fluid, along with the diuretic, is excreted through
the kidneys, thereby reducing IOP. This is similar to the management of cerebral (brain) edema (Option 1).
• Administration of an antiemetic medication (eg, ondansetron) to alleviate nausea because vomiting can cause a sharp increase in IOP,
further worsening acute ACG (Option 2)
• Implementation of fall precautions (eg, provide nonskid socks, turn on bed alarm, clear a pathway to the bathroom) to ensure client
safety. Many eye drops cause blurred vision for several minutes after administration, worsening the client's already impaired vision
(Option 3).
• Instruction to avoid activities that increase IOP (eg, bending/stooping, straining, coughing, blowing the nose, laughing) (Option 4)
(Option 5) Applying a pressure patch to the eye is typically done as a postoperative intervention for ocular surgeries (eg, corneal
transolantation) and is not necessary to include in the olan of care for this client.
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.
History and Physical
Body System Findings
General
The client comes to the emergency department with fatigue, shortness of breath, dry cough, and
exertional dyspnea for 1 week; the client is homeless; medical history includes chronic heart failure,
uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 22, SpO, 88% on room air, the client is dyspneic but can speak in full sentences;
lung auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds at the lung bases and bilateral crackles; the
client reports smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 35 years; the client was hospitalized for
pneumonia 6 months ago
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 90, BP 170/100; continuous cardiac monitor shows sinus rhythm with
occasional premature ventricular contractions; S1, S2, and S3 are heard on auscultation; bilateral
lower extremity pitting edema is noted
Select below the 5 findings that are most concerning.
- A. The client comes to the emergency department with fatigue, shortness of breath, dry cough, and exertional dyspnea for 1 week;
- B. the client is homeless;
- C. Vital signs: RR 22, SpOz 88% on room air; the client is dyspneic but can speak in full sentences;
- D. the client reports smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 35 years;
- E. S1, S2, and S3 are heard on auscultation;
- F. continuous cardiac monitor shows sinus rhythm with occasional premature ventricular contractions;
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: The client comes to the emergency department with fatigue, shortness of breath, dry cough, and
exertional dyspnea for 1 week; the client is homeless; medical history includes chronic heart
failure, uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vital signs: RR 22, SpOz 88% on room air; the client is dyspneic but can speak in full
sentences; lung auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds at the lung bases and bilateral
crackles; the client reports smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 35 years; the client was
hospitalized for pneumonia 6 months ago
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 90, BP 170/100; continuous cardiac monitor shows sinus rhythm
with occasional premature ventricular contractions; S1, S2, and S3 are heard on auscultation;
bilateral lower extremity pitting edema is noted
Nokea