The practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse with the care of a 58-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
The client monitors blood pressure (BP) at home and reports that it has been elevated for the past month. BP is 157/92 mm Hg. Physical examination is normal. The client is prescribed a thiazide diuretic for hypertension.
Emergency Department 4 Weeks Later
The client reports muscle weakness and severe cramping in the lower extremities with increased lethargy over the past 3 days. BP is 123/75 mm Hg. Physical examination findings include 1+ deep tendon reflexes bilaterally.
The nurse recognizes that the client is most likely experiencing.......... and, without prompt intervention, is at risk for...........
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Hypermagnesemia
- D. Seizures
- E. Hypotension
- F. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Correct Answer: A,F
Rationale: The client is most likely experiencing hypokalemia and, without prompt intervention, is at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to muscle weakness, cramping, and lethargy. Low potassium levels can disrupt cardiac electrical activity, risking dysrhythmias.
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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
Select the findings that require follow-up.
- A. The client is brought to the emergency department by the parents due to increased leg bruising and left knee swelling for 1 day;
- B. Good hygiene; no abrasions; no burns; bilateral scattered lower extremity bruising
- C. The parents report that the client's gums have been bleeding when chewing on crackers
- D. Vital signs: RR 38, SpO2 100% on room air,
- E. Vital signs: T 98.7 F (37.1 C), P 136
- F. Left knee redness and swelling with limited range of motion; the client can bear weight on both lower extremities;
- G. The parents state that urine output has been normal;
Correct Answer: A,B,C,F
Rationale: A: Requires follow-up - Increased bruising and knee swelling suggest a potential bleeding disorder. B: Requires follow-up - Bilateral bruising is abnormal and may indicate a hematologic issue. C: Requires follow-up - Bleeding gums are concerning for a coagulation disorder. F: Requires follow-up - Knee swelling and limited motion could indicate hemarthrosis, common in bleeding disorders. D, E, G: Normal findings that do not require immediate follow-up.
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.
The nurse should prioritize administration of........... to...........
- A. Thiamine
- B. Naloxone
- C. Oral activated charcoal
- D. Prevent respiratory failure
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: B to D: Naloxone reverses opioid intoxication to prevent respiratory failure. The client's obtundation, shallow breathing, and pinpoint pupils indicate opioid overdose, requiring urgent reversal to restore breathing. Thiamine is for alcohol-related conditions, and charcoal is for recent ingestions, not specified here.
The nurse in an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a 43-year-old client.
History
Admission:
The client comes to the inpatient psychiatric facility for an evaluation. The client is having distressing nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of being "on edge" since a severe motor vehicle collision 6 months ago that resulted in the death of the client's sibling. The client blames self for the sibling's death and verbalizes feelings of guilt. The client reports an inability to sleep well and being quick to anger, both of which led to job loss and the client seeking help. The client reports a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as working out and interacting with friends. The client has started smoking cigarettes daily since the collision and typically consumes ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day. Mental status examination reveals an irritable, guarded, and easily distracted mood. The client's appearance is well- kept, and grooming and hygiene are appropriate. The client’s speech is hyperverbal yet coherent, and thought process is organized. The client admits to feelings of hopelessness after the death of the sibling. The client reports occasionally seeing "shadows" but no visual hallucinations. The client has no homicidal ideations or history of violence toward others.
Vital signs: P 78, RR 17, BP 132/78.
The nurse suspects that the client is experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder. Which of the following symptoms are consistent with this condition? Select all that apply.
- A. Euphoric mood
- B. Flashbacks
- C. Hypervigilance
- D. Irritability
- E. Nightmares
- F. Self-blame
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E,F
Rationale: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability, nightmares, and self-blame following a traumatic event. Euphoric mood is not associated with PTSD.
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
Progress Notes
0910:
Client's parents were spoken to over the phone. Last evening, the client spent the night at a friend's housewhere some family members smoke cigarettes and have a pet cat that lives in the home.
Medical history:
No accidents or injuries were reported, vaccinations are up to date, mild persistent asthma was diagnosed at age 7, and client has atopic dermatitis.
Allergies: No known allergies.
Family history:
Client is an only child. Parents report having no known medical conditions. Paternal grandfather died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and maternal grandmother has heart disease.
Social history:
Client lives with parents; they do not smoke cigarettes. There are no pets in the client's home.
Current medications:
Beclomethasone inhaler 2 puffs twice a day, albuterol (salbutamol) inhaler 2 puffs
every 4 hours as needed for quick relief of symptoms.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Administering a dose of oral prednisone
- B. Administering nebulized albuterol (salbutamol) and ipratropium bromide
- C. Encouraging a semi-Fowler position
- D. Initiating humidified, high-flow oxygen therapy
- E. Placing a continuous pulse oximeter on the client
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: A: Oral prednisone reduces airway inflammation in asthma exacerbations. B: Nebulized albuterol and ipratropium relieve bronchospasm. C: Semi-Fowler position aids breathing by reducing diaphragm pressure. E: Continuous pulse oximetry monitors oxygenation status.
The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department after
becoming short of breath at school.
Nurses' Notes
0920:
Nebulized administration of albuterol (salbutamol) and ipratropium bromide completed. Client continues to have a dry cough. Breath sounds are clear to auscultation; no intercostal retractions are visible.
Vital signs: RR 24, SpO2 96% on 6 L humidified oxygen via nasal cannula.
Select the findings that indicate the client is progressing as expected.
- A. Nebulized administration of albuterol (salbutamol) and ipratropium bromide completed
- B. Client continues to have a dry cough
- C. Breath sounds are clear to auscultation
- D. no intercostal retractions are visible
- E. Vital signs: RR 24, SpO2 96% on 6 L humidified oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: C: Clear breath sounds indicate improved airflow. D: Absence of intercostal retractions suggests reduced respiratory effort. E: RR 24 and SpO2 96% reflect improved oxygenation and respiratory status post-treatment.
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