The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
1800:
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. The client is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and is admitted for supervised detoxification.
Laboratory Results
Urine Drug Screen
On admission
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Positive
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Positive
Phencyclidine-Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Negative
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Negative
Phencyclidine- Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
The nurse is evaluating teaching for the client who is newly prescribed methadone for opioid use disorder. Which of the following client statements indicate that the teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
- A. I can take an additional tablet if my cravings are not managed with one tablet.
- B. I need to rise slowly to a standing position while taking this medication.
- C. I should not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. I should stop taking this medication if I notice adverse effects.
- E. I will contact the health care provider if I experience dizziness or heart palpitations.
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: B: Rising slowly prevents orthostatic hypotension, a methadone side effect. C: Avoiding alcohol reduces CNS depression risk. E: Reporting dizziness or palpitations ensures timely management of adverse effects. A is incorrect as extra doses require provider approval, and D is incorrect as stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal.
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The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
History and Physical
Neurological
The client is alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation; the client reports sudden-onset right-sided facial drooping, speech is slurred; positive right-sided arm drift is seen
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Bilateral pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 16, SpO, 95% on room air, lung sounds are clear bilaterally
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 86, BP 166/90; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; no murmurs are noted; the client has a history of hypertension
Musculoskeletal
Right-sided lower extremity weakness is seen
Endocrine
The client has diabetes mellitus
Psychosocial
The client reports drinking one glass of wine each evening with dinner, no tobacco use, and a history of major depression; the client takes sertraline.
Laboratory Results
During Admission
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose: 72 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L)
Sodium: 133 mEq/L (133 mEq/L)
Chloride: 101 mEq/L (101 mmol/L)
Potassium: 3.7 mEq/L (3.7 mmol/L)
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose 74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L)
Sodium 136-145 mEq/L (136-145 mmol/L)
Chloride 98-106 mEq/L(98-106 mmol/L)
Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Diagnostic Results
Admission
CT scan of the head without contrast
1830:
No areas of hemorrhage are noted
The nurse is assisting the registered nurse in planning care for a client prescribed tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy. Which of the following actions are appropriate prior to administration? Select all that apply.
- A. Ask the client's caretaker about a history of recent surgery or trauma
- B. Maintain BP ≤ 185/110
- C. Plan to initiate subcutaneous heparin immediately after tPA infusion is complete
- D. Review the client's current home medication list
- E. Verify the exact time the stroke symptoms started
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Recent surgery/trauma (A) is a contraindication for tPA. BP ≤ 185/110 (B) is required to reduce bleeding risk. Reviewing medications (D) identifies anticoagulants that contraindicate tPA. Verifying symptom onset time (E) ensures tPA is within the therapeutic window. Heparin post-tPA (C) increases bleeding risk and is not immediate.
The nurse is caring for a 58-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit.
History and Physical
General
The client is vomiting bright red blood; medical history includes alcohol use disorder, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension; the client was admitted a year ago for alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis
Neurological
The client is oriented to person and place; the pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Yellow scleras are noted
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18, SpO 94% on room air
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, BP 90/40; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses are 2+ in all extremities; 1+ edema is noted at the bilateral lower extremities
Gastrointestinal
The abdomen is distended and nontender to palpation; the flanks are dull to percussion; bowel sounds are hypoactive; distended veins are present around the umbilicus
Genitourinary
Client is voiding amber-colored urine
The health care provider confirms that the client is experiencing bleeding from esophageal varices secondary to complications from liver cirrhosis. For each potential prescription, specify if the prescription is anticipated or unanticipated for the care of this client.
- A. Maintain NPO status
- B. Start octreotide infusion
- C. Administer IV fluid bolus
- D. Transfuse packed RBCs
- E. Gather supplies for paracentesis
- F. Prepare client for esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Correct Answer: A: Anticipated, B: Anticipated, C: Anticipated, D: Anticipated, E: Unanticipated, F: Anticipated
Rationale: A) Anticipated: NPO prevents aspiration and supports esophageal varices management. B) Anticipated: Octreotide reduces portal pressure to control variceal bleeding. C) Anticipated: IV fluids address hypovolemia (BP 90/40). D) Anticipated: PRBCs treat blood loss from variceal bleeding. E) Unanticipated: Paracentesis is for ascites, not urgent here. F) Anticipated: EGD is standard to visualize and treat varices.
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
Select the findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
- B. Vital signs are RR 22, SpO2 89% on room air;
- C. Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60;
- D. chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
- E. The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
- G.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: B: SpO2 of 89% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate oxygen supplementation. C: Tachycardia (P 110) and low BP (110/60) suggest cardiovascular instability, needing urgent evaluation. D: Severe chest pain (7/10) warrants immediate investigation for potential cardiac or pulmonary issues. A: Anxiety is noted but not immediately life-threatening. E: Musculoskeletal issues are chronic and do not require immediate follow-up.
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensationand movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
Postoperative Day 15
0800:
The client is increasingly tearful and states, "Life is going on without me while I am lying in this bed. I miss my friends." Left leg is in balanced suspension traction. Weights are hanging freely from the traction device. A 1-inch area of purple discoloration is noted on the right heel. Pin sites are free of erythema, swelling, and purulent drainage. Perineum is reddened with areas of excoriation and erythematous papules. External urinary catheter is in place. Scapula and sacrum are free of erythema.
Vital signs are T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 100, RR 16, and BP 122/72. Weight is 164 lb (74. 4 kg).
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes. The nurse reinforces client teaching. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should request a protein shake with my meals.
- B. I will contact the staff right away if my external catheter is leaking.
- C. Resting my heel on a rolled towel will reduce pressure on my wound.
- D. The trapeze can be used to help me shift my weight around in the bed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Resting the heel on a rolled towel may increase pressure on the wound, worsening the purple discoloration noted on the right heel. The other statements reflect appropriate understanding of nutritional needs, catheter care, and mobility assistance.
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.
The health care provider suspects that the client is experiencing postoperative ileus. The nurse should prepare the client for and provide.
- A. A digital rectal examination
- B. Abdominal and pelvic x-rays
- C. An emergency small bowel resection
- D. Enteral tube feedings
- E. Total parenteral nutrition
- F. Small sips of clear liquids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative ileus is characterized by absent bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and lack of flatus, as noted in the client. Abdominal and pelvic x-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis by identifying air-fluid levels or dilated bowel loops. A digital rectal examination is not diagnostic for ileus. Emergency surgery is not indicated without evidence of obstruction or perforation. Enteral feedings or clear liquids are contraindicated until ileus resolves, and total parenteral nutrition is typically reserved for prolonged cases.
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