The nurse is admitting a client who reports symptoms of dyspnea. The nurse notes edema of the upper arms, face, and neck. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
Degree of upper body vasculature observed.
Arm circumference and degree of edema.
Blood pressure and heart rate.
Peripheral sensation and movement of upper extremities.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assessing the degree of upper body vasculature may provide some information, but it does not directly address the client's current symptoms or vital status.
B. Measuring arm circumference and evaluating the degree of edema are important for understanding the extent of swelling but do not assess the client’s hemodynamic stability or respiratory status.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are critical assessments in this scenario, especially considering the client’s dyspnea and upper body edema. Changes in these vital signs can indicate potential respiratory distress, compromised cardiac function, or anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention.
D. While assessing peripheral sensation and movement is important for overall neurological function, it is not a priority in this context compared to assessing vital signs that can directly affect the client’s stability.
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Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer helps prevent respiratory complications and promotes lung expansion, thereby reducing the risk of infection, particularly pneumonia.
B. While early mobilization is important for recovery, assisting the client out of bed on post-operative day 1 may not be appropriate depending on the patient's condition; this option is not directly related to infection prevention.
C. Repositioning every four hours is important for pressure ulcer prevention but does not directly impact infection risk; more frequent repositioning may be necessary to ensure adequate skin integrity and circulation.
D. Utilizing aseptic technique while changing the dressing is crucial for preventing infection at the surgical site, making this a vital intervention.
E. Maintaining TEDS (thromboembolic deterrent stockings) and SCDs (sequential compression devices) helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and improves circulation, which can indirectly reduce infection risk by promoting better blood flow.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assessing the degree of upper body vasculature may provide some information, but it does not directly address the client's current symptoms or vital status.
B. Measuring arm circumference and evaluating the degree of edema are important for understanding the extent of swelling but do not assess the client’s hemodynamic stability or respiratory status.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are critical assessments in this scenario, especially considering the client’s dyspnea and upper body edema. Changes in these vital signs can indicate potential respiratory distress, compromised cardiac function, or anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention.
D. While assessing peripheral sensation and movement is important for overall neurological function, it is not a priority in this context compared to assessing vital signs that can directly affect the client’s stability.