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 C

Explanation

C. Synthetic casts are indeed lighter in weight compared to plaster casts. This lighter weight can improve patient comfort and mobility during the healing process.

A. Plaster casts typically do not require expensive equipment for application. The materials needed for applying a plaster cast are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most healthcare settings.

B. Both the synthetic and plaster casts have relatively equal efficacy in fracture immobilization.

D. Synthetic casts typically have a shorter drying time compared to plaster casts. They may dry within 10 to 30 minutes, whereas plaster casts can take longer, often several hours, to fully dry and harden.

A. Obtain a prescription to adjust the weight amount. B. Realign the client's position. C. Offer a muscle relaxant to the client. D. Administer an opioid analgesic.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Muscle spasms can sometimes be triggered or exacerbated by poor positioning or pressure on certain areas of the body. Realigning the client's position will help relieve muscle spasms by reducing pressure or tension on the affected muscles.

A. Adjusting the weight amount in traction may help alleviate pain and muscle spasms by reducing tension on the affected limb. However, realignment should be done first.

C. Muscle relaxants can help alleviate muscle spasms and associated pain by reducing muscle tone and tension. However, realignment should be done first.

D. Opioid analgesics are potent pain relievers that can effectively manage moderate to severe pain, including pain from muscle spasms. However, that should not be the first intervention.

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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 teaching a newly licensed nurse about the difference between a plaster cast and a synthetic cast. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

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Correct Answer is B

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