A 57-year-old client reports, "I am having the worst headache I have ever experienced." Which action/Priority should the nurse perform next?

Inquire about family history of headaches.

Review the client's medical record.

Assess the client's blood pressure.

Provide medication for pain relief.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

(a) Inquire about family history of headaches:

While understanding the client's family history of headaches can be important for a comprehensive assessment, it is not the immediate priority. The description of "the worst headache" ever experienced could indicate a serious condition that needs urgent attention.

(b) Review the client's medical record:

Reviewing the client's medical record provides valuable information about their history and potential underlying conditions. However, given the severity of the reported headache, it is crucial to perform a more immediate physical assessment to rule out life-threatening conditions.

Assessing the client's blood pressure is a critical initial action. A severe headache can be a symptom of hypertensive crisis, stroke, or other serious conditions. High blood pressure could provide an immediate clue to the severity and cause of the headache, allowing for quicker intervention.

(d) Provide medication for pain relief:

Providing pain relief is important, but it should not be the first action without determining the cause of the headache. Administering medication without assessing the client's condition could mask symptoms of a potentially serious underlying issue such as a stroke or hypertensive emergency.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Dehydration:

When the skin remains tented and returns to its normal position slowly after being pinched, it indicates decreased skin turgor, which is a clinical sign of dehydration. Dehydration can occur due to fluid loss from sweating during vigorous physical activity like a beach tournament.

B) Hypervolemia:

Hypervolemia refers to excess fluid volume in the body, which would typically manifest with signs such as peripheral edema or jugular vein distention rather than decreased skin turgor.

C) Properly Hydrated:

Properly hydrated individuals would have normal skin turgor, where the skin returns promptly to its normal position after being pinched.

D) Infection:

Skin tenting is not a specific sign of infection. Infection would typically present with localized signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, and possibly systemic signs like fever.

A. Nail Beds B. Sclera C. Oral Mucosa D. Palms

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Nail Beds:

While peripheral cyanosis can cause bluish discoloration of the nail beds, central cyanosis is more indicative of systemic hypoxemia and is best assessed in areas with rich blood supply, such as the oral mucosa.

B. Sclera:

The sclera is more commonly used to assess for jaundice (yellowing) rather than cyanosis. Cyanosis is not typically visible in the sclera.

C. Oral Mucosa:

Central cyanosis is most accurately assessed in areas with high vascularization, such as the oral mucosa. This area provides a clear indication of oxygenation status and can reveal hypoxemia more reliably than peripheral sites.

D. Palms:

Similar to the nail beds, the palms can show signs of peripheral cyanosis but are not the primary site for assessing central cyanosis. The oral mucosa remains the best site for this assessment.

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A 57-year-old client reports, "I am having the worst headache I have ever experienced." Which action/Priority should the nurse perform next?

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