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.
Which 3 additional findings or diagnostic results are most important to plan care for this client?
- A. Blood alcohol level
- B. Capillary blood glucose level
- C. CT scan of the head
- D. Electroencephalography
- E. Standardized stroke assessment
Correct Answer: B, C, E
Rationale: A CT scan (C) is critical to diagnose stroke type. A standardized stroke assessment (E) evaluates severity and guides treatment. Capillary glucose (B) ensures hypoglycemia is not contributing to symptoms. Blood alcohol level (A) is less relevant with minimal alcohol history. EEG (D) is not urgent for suspected stroke.
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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 an 82-year-old client in the emergency department.
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
Diagnostic Results
CT pulmonary angiography
1030: Pulmonary embolism is confirmed
Lower extremity doppler ultrasound
1100: Deep venous thrombosis is noted in the right lower extremity.
For each potential prescription, click to specify if the prescription is anticipated or contraindicated for the care of the client.
- A. Heparin infusion
- B. Acetaminophen PRN for pain
- C. Physical therapy for mobility exercises
- D. Supplemental oxygen to maintain SpO2 ≥ 90%
- E. Sequential compression devices to bilateral lower extremities
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: A: Heparin infusion is anticipated to treat pulmonary embolism and DVT by preventing further clot formation. B: Acetaminophen is anticipated for pain management, as it is safe for this client. C: Physical therapy is contraindicated due to the acute PE and DVT, as mobilization could dislodge clots. D: Supplemental oxygen is anticipated to correct hypoxemia (SpO2 89%). E: Sequential compression devices are contraindicated, as DVT is already present, and they could dislodge the clot.
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.
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
Nurses’ notes
Intensive Care Unit
2100:
Tissue plasminogen activator infusion is complete.
2330:
The client suddenly has become combative and confused and is disoriented to person, place, and time. The client vomited once forcefully. Neurologic assessment shows confusion and right-sided weakness.
Vital signs: T 100 F (37.8 C), P 105, RR 18, BP 188/94, SpO2 96% on room air.
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes. Which of the following is the priority action?
- A. Administer PRN acetaminophen and observe
- B. Give PRN blood pressure medication and observe
- C. Prepare the client for repeat CT scan of the head
- D. Request a prescription for restraints
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's sudden change in mental status (combative, confused, disoriented) and vomiting after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion suggest a possible intracranial hemorrhage, a known complication of tPA. A repeat CT scan is the priority to assess for this life-threatening condition.
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 sensation and 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).
The client is at risk for which of the following complications? Select all that apply.
- A. Atelectasis
- B. Compartment syndrome
- C. Constipation
- D. Deep venous thrombosis
- E. Osteomyelitis
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: The client is at risk for atelectasis (A) due to immobility, constipation (C) from reduced activity and medications, deep venous thrombosis (D) due to immobility, and osteomyelitis (E) from pin site infection.
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