A nurse is preparing an 80-year-old client for an intravenou… | 마이메르시 MyMerci
Adult Health
문제

A nurse is preparing an 80-year-old client for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). Which assessment finding would be most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider before the procedure?

A 52-year-old client is scheduled for an intravenous pyelogram to evaluate kidney function and urinary tract abnormalities.
해설
A severe shellfish allergy is critical to report before IVP due to the risk of allergic reaction to iodine-based contrast media. Other findings like blood pressure, fasting glucose, and creatinine are less urgent.

심화 해설

Core Nursing Explanation Key Concept Analysis: This question assesses the nurse's critical role in pre-procedure safety screening, specifically for an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP). An IVP is a radiographic study that uses an iodine-based contrast medium injected intravenously to visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The most significant risk associated with this procedure is a contrast-induced allergic reaction, which can range from mild (hives, itching) to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Answer Rationale: Key Point! A history of a severe allergic reaction to shellfish is the most critical finding to report. Shellfish contain high levels of iodine. Patients with this allergy have a significantly higher risk of cross-reactivity and a severe allergic reaction to the iodine-based contrast dye used in an IVP. This information is essential for the healthcare provider to consider alternative imaging (e.g., ultrasound, MRI without contrast) or to implement aggressive pre-medication protocols (e.g., corticosteroids, antihistamines) if the procedure is absolutely necessary.

Distractor Analysis:
  • Option 1 (Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg): While elevated, this is a common finding, especially in an older adult. It is not an absolute contraindication for an IVP. The nurse should monitor it, but it does not pose the same immediate, life-threatening risk as a known severe contrast allergy.
  • Option 2 (Fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dL): This value indicates prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose (Normal:

임상 시나리오

Nursing Clinical Practice Guide Clinical Scenario: You are the nurse on a medical-surgical unit. Mr. Johnson, an 80-year-old with a history of hypertension and recurrent UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), is scheduled for an IVP at 10:00 AM. During your morning assessment, you are reviewing his chart and interviewing him.

Nursing Intervention Strategy:
  1. Assessment: Conduct a focused interview. Ask specifically: "Have you ever had an allergic reaction to anything, especially iodine, shellfish (like shrimp, lobster), or any previous X-ray dye?" Also assess renal function by reviewing recent lab work (BUN, creatinine).
  2. Planning/Implementation: If an allergy is identified (as in this case), DO NOT proceed with the standard prep. Immediately page the radiologist and the ordering provider. Document the allergy clearly in the chart and on the requisition form. The team may decide to:
    • Cancel the IVP and order a non-contrast study (e.g., renal ultrasound).
    • Proceed with a pre-medication protocol (e.g., prednisone and diphenhydramine administered 13, 7, and 1 hour before the procedure).
    Ensure informed consent includes discussion of the allergy risk.
  3. Evaluation & Patient Safety: After the procedure (if done with pre-medication), monitor the patient closely in a room equipped with emergency equipment (crash cart, oxygen, suction, epinephrine). Observe for delayed reactions for at least 30-60 minutes post-procedure.
Patient Safety and Precautions:
  • Contraindication: A known severe allergic reaction to contrast media is a strong relative contraindication.
  • Hydration: For all patients, especially those with any degree of renal impairment, encourage oral hydration before and after the procedure unless contraindicated. IV hydration may be ordered.
  • Metformin Alert: For diabetic patients on metformin, contrast can precipitate lactic acidosis if renal function declines. Typically, metformin is held before and after the procedure until renal function is rechecked.

Nursing Procedure & Medication Flow Pre-Procedure Checklist for IVP/Contrast Studies: 1. Verify informed consent is signed. 2. Screen for allergies (Iodine, Shellfish, Prior Contrast). 3. Review renal function labs (Creatinine, eGFR). 4. Check pregnancy status for women of childbearing age. 5. Ensure NPO (Nothing by Mouth) status as ordered (usually 4-8 hours). 6. Confirm medication holds (e.g., metformin). 7. Establish IV access for contrast injection and possible emergency medications.

A Word from Your Senior Nurse "In the real world, the 'allergy box' in the chart is your best friend and your first stop. Never assume someone else has asked. A casual question like, 'Any allergies?' can save a life. For an elderly patient, they might not connect a bad reaction to shrimp 20 years ago with today's test. You have to be specific. Your vigilance in this moment is what defines a safe nurse. On the NCLEX, they are testing this exact judgment call: can you spot the one piece of data that changes everything? Think 'safety first, always.'"

핵심 개념

마이메르시로 국가고시 완벽 대비

기출문제와 상세 해설을 무료로. 내 약점을 분석하고 진도를 관리하며 더 똑똑하게 공부하세요.

무료로 시작하기

학습 참고용입니다. 실제 임상은 최신 지침과 소속 기관 프로토콜을 따르세요.