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 returns to the clinic 6 months after starting behavioral therapy. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further therapy?
- A. My child will eat but only if I cook the same meal every day.
- B. My child will make only brief periods of eye contact with the teacher.
- C. My child will occasionally play with other children at the park.
- D. My child will squeeze a soft toy instead of banging the head.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Early childhood intervention programs (eg, behavioral therapy) are a critical component for clients with autism spectrum
disorder and can have positive long-term effects on presenting symptoms and social skills. Therapy helps increase
communication and language skills; improve focus, social skills, memory, and academic functioning; and decrease problematic
behaviors through positive reinforcement and other behavioral approaches
When evaluating the outcomes of therapy, the nurse should recognize that clients who demonstrate narrowed, restricted
interests (eg, eating the same foods) indicate a need for additional therapy
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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).
Complete the following sentence by choosing from the lists of options. Based on the clinical findings, the client is most at risk for--------------------- as evidenced by the client's------------------------
- A. vital signs
- B. peritonitis and sepsis
- C. fluid volume deficit and hypovolemic shock
- D. abdominal pain
- E. date of last menstrual period
- F. intraabdominal hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock
Correct Answer: C,A
Rationale: The client's findings are most aligned with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). When there is a lack of insulin to transport glucose into cells, glucose
accumulates, creating an osmotic gradient that leads to diuresis (polyuria) and fluid loss. If the hyperglycemia persists, the process continues
and the fluid volume deficit decreases cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs (hypotension). The heart rate increases (tachycardia)
to compensate for the decrease in cardiac output. Without immediate treatment, compensatory mechanisms eventually fail, and the client is
at risk for developing life-threatening hypovolemic shock
History
Labor and Delivery Unit
Admission: The client, gravida 1 para 0, at 16 weeks gestation with a twin pregnancy reports nausea and vomiting for the past
several weeks. The client also reports dry heaving, increasing weakness, light-headedness, and an inability to tolerate
oral intake for the past 24 hours. In addition, the client has had occasional right-sided, shooting pain from the abdomen
to the groin that occurs with sudden position changes. The pain quickly resolves without intervention per the client's
report. She has had no contractions or vaginal bleeding and has felt no fetal movement during this pregnancy. The
client has a history of childhood asthma and is currently taking no asthma medications. The client reports no other
pregnancy complications.
Physical
Prepregnancy,12 Weeks Gestation 16 Weeks Gestation(Prenatal Visit),(Labor and Delivery Admission)
Height ,5 ft 5 in (165.1 cm),5 ft 5 in (165.1 cm)|, 5 ft 5 in (165.1 cm)
Weight, 145 lb (65.8 kg),148 lb (67.1 kg),138 lb (62.6 kg)
BMI, 24.1 kg/m2, 24.6 kg/m2,23.0 kg/m2
Vital Signs
12 Weeks Gestation(Prenatal Visit),16 Weeks Gestation(Labor and Delivery Admission)
T,98.7 F (37.1 C),99.8 F (37.7 C)
P,70,101
RR,14,18
BP,122/78,90/55
SpO2,99% on room air,96% on room air
Which of the following information about the client is important to report to the health care provider? Select all that apply.
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Fetal movement
- C. Nausea and vomiting
- D. Right-sided abdominal pain
- E. Weight change
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: The nurse caring for pregnant clients must distinguish pregnancy-related adaptations and discomforts from potential complications. It is
important to report the following client findings to the health care provider:
• Abnormal vital signs (eg, low blood pressure): Hypotension and tachycardia may be symptoms of hypovolemia due to decreased oral
intake and vomiting (ie, dehydration)
• Severe nausea and vomiting: Although these findings are common discomforts associated with early pregnancy, concern is warranted
if they are persistent; prevent oral intake; and cause significant weight loss, dehydration, and hypovolemia
• Significant weight change (eg, weight loss of 25% of prepregnancy weight): Weight loss is generally not recommended during
pregnancy and may indicate a medical condition (eg, nutritional deficiency). Normal changes in weight during pregnancy include gaining
1-4 Ib (0.5-1.8 kg) during the first trimester and approximately 1 lb (0.5 kg) per week thereafter
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.
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and
Reference Range
1030
Glucose (random)
71-200 mg/dL
(3.9-11.1 mmol/L)
110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L)
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)
4.5 mEq/L (4.5 mmol/L)
B-type natriuretic peptide
<100 pg/mL
(<100 ng/L)
640 pg/mL (640 ng/L)
Diagnostic Results
Chest X-ray
1030:Mild cardiomegaly
Echocardiogram
1100:Mild left ventricular hypertrophy with left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%
For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is expected or not expected for the care of the client.
- A. Daily weights
- B. IV furosemide
- C. Fluid restriction
- D. Supplemental oxygen
- E. Antihypertensive medications
- F. Nebulized albuterol breathing treatments
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Expected interventions for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) focus on reducing cardiac workload and improving
oxygenation. These include:
• Daily weights should be performed to monitor fluid volume status and guide treatment. Ideally, daily weights should be
performed at the same time of day, on the same scale, and with the client wearing the same amount of clothing.
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide) prevent reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, which increases fluid excretion in
urine and decreases preload. Diuretics provide symptomatic relief by reducing pulmonary congestion and peripheral
edema. These are the cornerstone of therapy and often a priority after oxygen therapy.
• Fluid restriction is indicated to decrease circulating fluid volume and prevent excess strain on the heart.
• Supplemental oxygen should be administered to improve oxygen delivery in clients with HF due to impaired gas
exchange from pulmonary edema.
• Antihypertensive medications reduce cardiac workload and improve contractility by lowering blood pressure (ie,
afterload).
Nebulized albuterol is a bronchodilator administered to improve oxygenation in clients with reactive airway disease (eg.
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Bronchodilators will not improve oxygenation in clients with pulmonary
edema and are not expected for treatment of HF.
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.
Which of the following statements by the client's parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching about management for type 1 diabetes mellitus? Select all that apply
- A. I may need to administer insulin more frequently when my child is ill
- B. Insulin requirements will change as my child grows
- C. Insulin should be injected deeply enough to reach the muscle
- D. Overnight social events should be avoided to prevent changes in my child's routine
- E. Proper diet and exercise can eliminate the need for insulin during adulthood.
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) have impaired insulin production due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta
cells. Because clients with type 1 DM do not produce insulin, lifelong insulin replacement is required. Insulin requirements
will change with growth and development
Insulin requirements may increase because stressful events (eg, illness) cause blood glucose levels to rise. When the
client is ill, the parent should be instructed to notify the health care provider, monitor blood glucose levels closely, test the urine
for ketones, increase insulin administration per sliding scale, and monitor for signs of dehydration
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