A client has been diagnosed in the Emergency Department with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following actions should a nurse perform first?
Place a tracheostomy tray at the client’s bedside.
Administer IV prophylaxis for thromboembolism.
Prepare to assist with intubation of the client.
Administer IV prophylaxis for stress ulcers.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Placing a tracheostomy tray at the client’s bedside is not the first action a nurse should take when a client is diagnosed with ARDS. While a tracheostomy may be necessary in some cases, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Administering IV prophylaxis for thromboembolism is important in the management of ARDS, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Preparing to assist with intubation of the client is the first action a nurse should take when a client is diagnosed with ARDS. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are often required to ensure adequate oxygenation in clients with ARDS3.
Choice D rationale
Administering IV prophylaxis for stress ulcers is important in the management of ARDS, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restlessness in a client with a tracheostomy could indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia. It’s important for the nurse to further assess the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, and overall appearance.
Choice B rationale
A SaO2 of 92% on 40% humidified oxygen via tracheostomy collar is within the acceptable range for a client with a tracheostomy. However, it’s important to consider the client’s baseline SaO2 and any changes in their condition.
Choice C rationale
Scattered rhonchi throughout the lung fields could indicate secretions in the airways. However, this finding alone does not necessarily indicate a problem with the tracheostomy.
Choice D rationale
Suctioning of thin clear secretions from a tracheostomy is a routine part of tracheostomy care. This finding does not necessarily indicate a problem with the tracheostomy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The initial assessment finding in a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) is typically dyspnea and anxiety. This is because a PE can block blood flow in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing (dyspnea). The sudden onset of this symptom can cause significant anxiety in the patient.
Choice B rationale
An altered level of consciousness is not typically an initial finding in PE. While severe cases can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, causing confusion or loss of consciousness, these are not usually initial symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Wheezing in lung bases is not a typical initial finding in PE. Wheezing is more commonly associated with conditions that cause narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or COPD12.
Choice D rationale
While an increased pulse and respiratory rate can occur in PE due to the body’s attempt to compensate for decreased oxygen in the blood, they are not the most specific initial findings. Dyspnea and anxiety are more characteristic initial symptoms of PE12.
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