Focused Data Collection And Reporting
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NCLEX-PN › Focused Data Collection And Reporting
A 52-year-old client with a new prescription for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a urinary tract infection has a history of sulfonamide allergy listed as 'rash as a child' and currently takes hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension. After the first dose, the client reports itching and the nurse observes swelling of the lips; vital signs are blood pressure 118/74 mm Hg, heart rate 102/min, respiratory rate 22/min, oxygen saturation 93% on room air. What symptom change should be documented and communicated?
History of rash as a child with sulfonamide medications
Blood pressure 118/74 mm Hg
Swelling of the lips after the first dose
Client reports itching after the first dose
Explanation
This question tests focused data collection and reporting skills in allergic reaction assessment. The key priority is recognizing signs of anaphylaxis requiring immediate intervention. Swelling of the lips (B) indicates angioedema, which can progress rapidly to airway obstruction and is a medical emergency, especially with the respiratory rate of 22/min and oxygen saturation of 93%. While itching (A) is concerning, it's less severe than angioedema, childhood rash history (C) is already documented, and blood pressure (D) remains stable. The decision-making principle is that signs of airway involvement in allergic reactions require immediate reporting and intervention. When documenting allergic reactions, always prioritize findings that indicate progression to anaphylaxis, particularly facial or airway swelling.
A 66-year-old client with heart failure and hypertension takes furosemide and losartan daily. The client reports new muscle cramps and weakness; vital signs are blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg, heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 18/min; labs today show potassium 2.9 mEq/L (normal 3.5–5.0), sodium 138 mEq/L (normal 135–145), creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (normal 0.6–1.3). Which lab result is most concerning and requires reporting?
Blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg
Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL
Sodium 138 mEq/L
Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
Explanation
This question tests focused data collection and reporting skills in identifying critical electrolyte imbalances. The key priority is recognizing dangerously low potassium levels in a client taking loop diuretics. The potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L (C) is critically low and requires immediate reporting because it can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, especially in a client with heart failure. The sodium level (A) is normal, creatinine (B) is within normal limits, and blood pressure (D) is adequately controlled. The decision-making principle is that critical lab values that can cause immediate cardiac complications take priority over stable findings. When reviewing lab results, always identify values that fall outside the critical range first, particularly electrolytes that affect cardiac function.
A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease stage 3 and hypertension takes lisinopril daily. The client reports decreased urine output and fatigue; vital signs are blood pressure 150/92 mm Hg, heart rate 86/min; labs today show potassium 5.8 mEq/L (normal 3.5–5.0), blood urea nitrogen 34 mg/dL (normal 7–20), creatinine 2.1 mg/dL (normal 0.6–1.3). Which lab result is most concerning and requires reporting?
Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
Blood pressure 150/92 mm Hg
Blood urea nitrogen 34 mg/dL
Creatinine 2.1 mg/dL
Explanation
This question tests focused data collection and reporting skills in chronic kidney disease monitoring. The key priority is identifying the most dangerous electrolyte abnormality. The potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L (B) is critically elevated and poses immediate risk for cardiac arrhythmias, especially in a client taking an ACE inhibitor which further increases potassium. While elevated BUN (A) and creatinine (C) indicate worsening kidney function, and hypertension (D) needs management, hyperkalemia is the most immediately life-threatening finding. The decision-making principle is that critical electrolyte imbalances that affect cardiac function take precedence over other abnormal values. When monitoring clients with kidney disease, always prioritize potassium levels as hyperkalemia can cause sudden cardiac death.