A client who was admitted yesterday with bilateral pneumonia has congested breath sounds, an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air, and an oral temperature of 100° F (37.8° C). The client has a weak cough effort and is using accessory muscles to breathe. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Obtain arterial blood gases.
Administer a prescribed antipyretic.
Offer a prescribed PRN analgesic.
Suction to clear secretions from airway.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining arterial blood gases is important for assessing respiratory status but is not the immediate priority.
B. Administering an antipyretic can help reduce fever but does not address the immediate respiratory distress the client is experiencing.
C. Offering an analgesic can improve comfort but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.
D. Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the most critical intervention to improve the client’s respiratory status, especially given the weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles, indicating possible airway obstruction or ineffective clearance of secretions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. It is accurate that vaccination is most effective before symptoms appear, but this statement does not address the client's immediate need for treatment.
B. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an antiviral medication that can be prescribed for influenza symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, making it appropriate to refer the client for a prescription.
C. While over-the-counter medications may help alleviate some symptoms, they do not treat the underlying viral infection, and antiviral medications can be more effective.
D. This statement is true but does not directly answer the client's question about the treatment of influenza with oseltamivir.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Determine the client's last dose of corticosteroids: This may be helpful later in understanding the client's MS management, but it is not the immediate priority in an acute neurological situation.
B. Determine neurological baseline prior to the fall: While important for comparison, establishing the client’s current status through assessment takes priority.
C. Administer a PRN IV antiemetic as prescribed: Vomiting may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP); treating the symptom without assessing for underlying neurological compromise could delay recognition of a critical condition.
D. Complete head-to-toe neurological assessment: This is the priority. The client’s confusion and projectile vomiting may indicate a traumatic brain injury with increased ICP. Immediate neurological assessment is necessary to identify life-threatening changes and guide urgent interventions.
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