A client with a history of unstable angina presents to the emergency department with constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest. The client appears anxious, pale, and diaphoretic. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?
Evaluate upper and lower extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema.
Secure client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention.
Administer four 81 mg aspirin tablets providing instructions to chew before swallowing.
Place an indwelling urinary catheter and institute strict intake and output measurements.
The Correct Answer is C
Given the client's symptoms of constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest, along with the client's appearance of anxiety, pallor, and diaphoresis, it indicates a high likelihood of an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). In this situation, the nurse should prioritize immediate actions that address the potential cardiac emergency.
Aspirin is an essential medication in the initial management of acute coronary syndrome, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction. It helps to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of clot formation in the coronary arteries. The chewable form of aspirin is recommended because it allows for more rapid absorption.
While evaluating extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema is important in assessing the client's overall cardiovascular status, it is not the immediate next step when faced with a suspected acute coronary event.
Securing client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a relevant step in the management of unstable angina and myocardial infarction, but it is not the immediate action to be taken in the emergency department. The client requires stabilization and initial medical interventions before procedural consent can be obtained.
Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and instituting strict intake and output measurements is not a priority action in this situation. The focus should be on addressing the potential acute coronary event and ensuring the client's cardiac stability. Urinary catheterization and monitoring of intake and output can be considered later, if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
less than body requirements would be the nursing problem with the highest priority for an adolescent with anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a severe restriction of food intake leading to a significantly low body weight, which can have serious physical and psychological consequences. Therefore, addressing the client's malnutrition and promoting adequate nutrition intake is crucial to prevent further complications.
Disturbed Body Image, Interrupted Family Processes, and Noncompliance with treatment regimen are important nursing problems to address, but they are secondary to the client's malnutrition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
In this scenario, the client is experiencing difficulty falling asleep at night, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. These symptoms may indicate that the client's exercise routine is impacting their sleep patterns. By asking the client for a description of their exercise schedule, the nurse can gather important information about the timing, intensity, and duration of the client's exercise regimen.
Exercise has numerous benefits for sleep and overall health, but the timing and intensity of exercise can affect sleep patterns differently for individuals. Vigorous exercise close to bedtime may increase alertness and make it harder for some people to fall asleep.
Therefore, understanding the client's exercise routine will help the nurse assess if the timing or intensity of the exercise is contributing to the sleep issues.
Based on the information gathered, the nurse can provide appropriate guidance. This may include adjusting the timing of exercise to earlier in the day, reducing the intensity of exercise closer to bedtime, or considering other factors that may be contributing to the sleep difficulties, such as caffeine intake, stress, or environmental factors.
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