A female college student comes to the school's health clinic complaining of urinary frequency and burning with right lower back pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Evaluate the urine for a strong odor.
Measure her temperature and pulse rate
Test her urine for the presence of hematuria.
Palpate the right flank for tenderness
The Correct Answer is B
A. Evaluate the urine for a strong odor.
While evaluating urine for a strong odor can provide some information about a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), it is not the most immediate concern. The priority in this case is to assess for signs of systemic infection, and checking for a strong odor can be done later.
B. Measure her temperature and pulse rate.
This is the correct choice. Measuring temperature and pulse rate is a critical initial step to assess for signs of systemic infection. Fever and an elevated pulse rate can indicate that the infection may have spread beyond the bladder, possibly involving the kidneys.
C. Test her urine for the presence of hematuria.
Testing for hematuria (blood in the urine) is an important diagnostic step for a UTI, but it is not the first priority. Vital sign assessment takes precedence to determine the severity of the condition and the need for urgent intervention.
D. Palpate the right flank for tenderness.
Palpating the right flank for tenderness is a relevant physical assessment to check for kidney involvement, which is important in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. However, assessing vital signs is a more immediate and critical step to determine the severity of the condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Guidelines for oxygen use:
While guidelines for oxygen use are important, addressing the root cause of the respiratory condition, which includes smoking cessation, is crucial for long-term management.
B. Methods for weight loss:
Obesity can contribute to respiratory issues, but in the immediate context of emphysema exacerbation and the need for oxygen therapy, smoking cessation is a more urgent concern.
C. Approaches to conserve energy:
Conserving energy is important for clients with emphysema, but addressing the impact of smoking on respiratory function is a more immediate priority.
D. Strategies for smoking cessation.
Smoking is a major contributor to the progression of emphysema and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms. Addressing smoking cessation is crucial in improving the client's respiratory function and overall health. Continuing to smoke can exacerbate emphysema and compromise the effectiveness of other interventions, including oxygen therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encourage regular turning:
While turning is important for preventing complications like pressure ulcers, in this acute situation, addressing fluid imbalance and potential sepsis take precedence.
B. Monitor skin for breakdown:
Monitoring for skin breakdown is essential but is not the most critical intervention at this moment.
C. Assess wound drainage daily:
Daily assessment of wound drainage is important for evaluating the status of the surgical site. However, in this situation of potential anastomosis leakage with signs of systemic infection and hypotension, immediate interventions to stabilize the client's condition are of higher priority.
D. Strict IV fluid replacement:
This is the correct answer. The client is displaying signs of systemic infection (fever) and possible sepsis (tachycardia, hypotension), which might be due to an anastomosis leakage following gastric bypass surgery. Ensuring adequate IV fluid replacement is crucial to address hypotension, maintain perfusion, and support hemodynamic stability in this critical situation.
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