During a routine assessment on the surgical unit, a nurse evaluates a client who underwent an open splenectomy earlier in the day. The client's spouse reports that the client has suddenly become restless and anxious. A review of the electronic health record reveals the following vital sign trends:
| Time | Blood Pressure | Heart Rate | Respiratory Rate | Pulse Oximetry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:00 | 134/72 mm Hg | 82 beats/min | 14 breaths/min | 99% on room air |
| 15:00 | 126/78 mm Hg | 94 beats/min | 18 breaths/min | 97% on room air |
| 16:00 | 112/86 mm Hg | 118 beats/min | 24 breaths/min | 94% on room air |
The client's urine output for the past hour is 15 mL. Based on these findings, which action is the priority to prevent further physiological deterioration?
- Initiate a rapid infusion of isotonic crystalloid fluids and notify the surgical provider immediately.Cevap
- BElevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees to optimize diaphragmatic excursion and oxygenation.
- CAdminister a prescribed intravenous anxiolytic to calm the client and decrease myocardial oxygen demand.
- DAssess the patency of the indwelling urinary catheter and perform a bladder scan to check for retention.
Cevap
The priority action is to initiate a rapid infusion of isotonic crystalloid fluids and immediately notify the surgical provider, as the client is exhibiting signs of early hemorrhagic shock.
The client is exhibiting classic signs of early compensatory hemorrhagic shock, including a narrowing pulse pressure (from 62 to 26 mm Hg), tachycardia, tachypnea, oliguria, and restlessness (cerebral hypoxia). Because the client had a highly vascular organ removed (splenectomy), internal bleeding is a high-risk complication. The immediate priority is to restore intravascular volume and tissue perfusion by administering isotonic crystalloids and notifying the surgeon for potential surgical re-exploration.
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Anahtar Kavram
Early recognition of postoperative hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock through subtle indicators such as a narrowing pulse pressure, tachycardia, and altered mental status.