A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using methamphetamine. Vital signs are blood pressure 164/94 mm Hg. heart rate 136 beats/min and irregular, and respirations 32 breaths/min. Which action by the nurse is most important?

Reorient the patient at frequent intervals.

Monitor the patient's electrocardiogram.

Keep the patient in a quiet and darkened room.

Obtain a health history including prior drug use.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Methamphetamine use can cause significant cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Given the patient's presentation with an irregular heart rate and tachycardia, continuous cardiac monitoring through an ECG is essential to assess for any life-threatening arrhythmias or other cardiac complications.

A. Reorientation is important for patients who are disoriented, but in the case of a patient who has admitted to using methamphetamine and is exhibiting signs of agitation and tachycardia, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and stabilize their condition.

C. While providing a calm environment is beneficial for patients who are agitated, it is not the most important action in this scenario.

D. Obtaining a comprehensive health history, including prior drug use, is important for understanding the patient's background and potential risk factors. However, in this acute situation where the patient is disoriented, agitated, and exhibiting signs of cardiovascular distress, the priority is to address the immediate medical needs and stabilize the patient's condition.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Muscle spasms can occur in response to the hip fracture as the body attempts to protect the injured area. Spasms may cause pain and muscle rigidity in the affected hip.
B. Pallor refers to paleness of the skin. While hip fractures can result in various signs and symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bruising, hip pallor specifically is not typically associated with a hip fracture.
C. Leg abduction refers to moving the leg away from the midline of the body. In the case of a hip fracture, the affected leg may be held in adduction (closer to the midline) due to pain and muscle guarding.
D. Leg lengthening is not typically associated with a hip fracture. In fact, a hip fracture can often lead to apparent leg shortening due to displacement or angulation of the fractured bone.

A. Begin full weight bearing. B. Apply heat to the affected knee. C. Start range of motion (ROM) exercises. D. Perform quadriceps setting exercises.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Quadriceps setting exercises help strengthen the quadriceps muscles, which play a crucial role in knee stability and function. These exercises can be initiated early in the postoperative period and are typically part of the rehabilitation program following a partial meniscectomy.

A. Full weight bearing may place excessive stress on the knee joint and hinder the healing process.

B. Heat therapy is generally not recommended immediately after a partial meniscectomy. Heat can increase blood flow and swelling, which may exacerbate pain and inflammation in the early postoperative period.

C. Range of motion (ROM) exercises help prevent stiffness and promote flexibility in the knee joint after surgery. However, these exercises should not be initiated immediately.

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A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using methamphetamine. Vital signs are blood pressure 164/94 mm Hg. heart rate 136 beats/min and irregular, and respirations 32 breaths/min. Which action by the nurse is most important?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has a hip fracture. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in a one-day surgery center is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a partial meniscectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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