A client with coronary artery disease complains of chest pain while brushing their teeth in the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram and call a rapid response.

Withhold the client's medications until the healthcare provider arrives.

Instruct the client to stop the activity and provide a chair.

Call the healthcare provider immediately about the client's complaint.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram and calling a rapid response is not the first action that the nurse should take. A 12-lead electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac problems. ¹ A rapid response is a team of healthcare professionals that can provide immediate care to a client who is experiencing a life-threatening emergency. ² However, these actions are not the priority for a client who has chest pain while brushing their teeth. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before performing any tests or calling for help.

Choice B reason: Withholding the client's medications until the healthcare provider arrives is not the first action that the nurse should take. The client's medications may include drugs that can relieve chest pain, such as nitroglycerin, aspirin, or beta-blockers. ³ These drugs can help dilate the blood vessels, prevent blood clots, or reduce the workload of the heart. ³ The nurse should not withhold these medications, as they may help the client's condition and prevent further complications. The nurse should check the client's medication orders and administer them as prescribed.

Choice C reason: Instructing the client to stop the activity and provide a chair is the first action that the nurse should take. Chest pain is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque. ⁴ Chest pain can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, such as brushing the teeth, which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. ⁵ The nurse should instruct the client to stop the activity and provide a chair, as this can help reduce the stress on the heart and ease the chest pain. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation, and provide oxygen if needed.

Choice D reason: Calling the healthcare provider immediately about the client's complaint is not the first action that the nurse should take. The healthcare provider may need to be notified about the client's condition, especially if the chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. ⁵ However, the nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before calling the healthcare provider. The nurse should also be prepared to initiate emergency protocols if the chest pain does not improve or worsens.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Limiting the intake of citrus juices is not related to the teaching about hydrochlorothiazide. Citrus juices are rich in vitamin C, which has no significant interaction with hydrochlorothiazide. The client does not need to avoid or limit citrus juices unless they have other medical conditions that require dietary restrictions.

Choice B reason: Eating bananas daily to lower the potassium level is a wrong statement. Bananas are high in potassium, which is a mineral that hydrochlorothiazide can deplete from the body. The client may need to increase their potassium intake or take a potassium supplement to prevent hypokalemia, a condition of low potassium level that can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias.

Choice C reason: Taking the pill each day in the morning is the correct statement. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases the urine output and reduces the blood volume and pressure. The client should take the pill in the morning to avoid nocturia, which is frequent urination at night that can disrupt the sleep quality and increase the risk of falls.

Choice D reason: Taking the pill each day after dinner is not the best statement. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause diuresis, which is increased urine production and excretion. Taking the pill after dinner can lead to nocturia, which is frequent urination at night that can interfere with the sleep cycle and cause fatigue and irritability. The client should take the pill in the morning to prevent nocturia and its complications.

A. Provide education to the client about the procedure. B. Assess vital signs and catheter insertion site. C. Administer fluids to provide hydration. D. Administer the prescribed dose of aspirin and metoprolol.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Providing education to the client about the procedure is not the action that the nurse should implement first. This action is important, but not urgent. The nurse should prioritize the assessment and monitoring of the client's physical status and potential complications.

Choice B reason: Assessing vital signs and catheter insertion site is the action that the nurse should implement first. This action is essential to evaluate the client's hemodynamic stability and to detect any signs of bleeding, hematoma, infection, or vascular injury at the site of catheter insertion. The nurse should also check the peripheral pulses and sensation of the affected extremity.

Choice C reason: Administering fluids to provide hydration is not the action that the nurse should implement first. This action may be indicated to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy or dehydration, but it is not the priority. The nurse should first assess the client's fluid status and renal function before administering fluids.

Choice D reason: Administering the prescribed dose of aspirin and metoprolol is not the action that the nurse should implement first. This action may be indicated to prevent thrombosis or ischemia, but it is not the priority. The nurse should first assess the client's cardiac status and contraindications before administering these medications.

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A client with coronary artery disease complains of chest pain while brushing their teeth in the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?

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