A new nurse is having a difficult time identifying which client should be seen first because they all seem important. The nurse preceptor helps and explains that the client with which of the following should be seen first?
Hypotension, tachycardia, and lethargy
Dizziness with headache 7/10 on numeric scale
Abdominal pain, hypertensive, and constipated
Febrile, tachycardia, and vomiting
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and lethargy are critical symptoms that can indicate a life-threatening condition such as shock or severe dehydration. Hypotension can lead to inadequate perfusion of vital organs, resulting in multi-organ failure if not promptly addressed1. Tachycardia is often a compensatory mechanism for hypotension, and lethargy indicates decreased cerebral perfusion. Immediate intervention is required to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further deterioration.
Choice B reason:
Dizziness with a headache rated 7/10 on the numeric scale is concerning but not immediately life-threatening. These symptoms could indicate a variety of conditions, such as migraine, vertigo, or even a mild concussion. While the patient should be assessed and treated, they do not present the same immediate risk as hypotension and tachycardia.
Choice C reason:
Abdominal pain, hypertension (high blood pressure), and constipation are symptoms that need medical attention but are not immediately life-threatening. Hypertension can lead to serious complications if left untreated, but it does not require the same urgent intervention as hypotension. Abdominal pain and constipation, while uncomfortable and potentially indicative of underlying issues, do not pose an immediate threat to life.
Choice D reason:
Febrile (fever), tachycardia, and vomiting are symptoms that suggest an infection or other acute illness. While these symptoms are concerning and need prompt evaluation, they do not pose the same immediate risk as hypotension and tachycardia. Fever and vomiting can lead to dehydration, but this typically develops over a longer period compared to the rapid deterioration seen with hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Strict monitoring of hourly intake and output is important for managing fluid balance and detecting potential complications such as dehydration or fluid overload1. However, it is not the highest priority in the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The primary concern is to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurological deterioration.
Choice B reason:
Managing pain through drug and non-drug methods is essential for patient comfort and overall well-being. Pain management can help reduce stress and improve the patient’s ability to rest and recover. However, it is not the highest priority compared to monitoring neurological status, which can provide early indications of complications such as increased ICP or seizures.
Choice C reason:
Assessing neurological status at least every 2 to 4 hours is the highest priority for a client with bacterial meningitis. This frequent assessment helps detect early signs of neurological deterioration, increased ICP, and other complications. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing severe outcomes and improving the patient’s prognosis.
Choice D reason:
Decreasing environmental stimuli is important to reduce stress and prevent exacerbation of symptoms such as headache and photophobia. While this intervention is beneficial, it is not as critical as frequent neurological assessments in the acute management of bacterial meningitis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Malfunction of the alarm button is unlikely to be the cause of increased peak airway pressure. The alarm is designed to alert the nurse to a problem with the ventilator or the patient’s airway, not to malfunction itself. Therefore, this is not the first thing the nurse should assess.
Choice B Reason:
A cut or slice in the tubing from the ventilator could cause a loss of pressure or air leak, but it would not typically result in increased peak airway pressure. Instead, it would likely cause a decrease in pressure and potentially trigger a different alarm.
Choice C Reason:
Higher than normal endotracheal cuff pressure can contribute to increased peak airway pressure. However, it is not the most immediate concern compared to a kink in the tubing, which can completely obstruct airflow and rapidly compromise the patient’s ventilation.
Choice D Reason:
A kink in the ventilator tubing is a common and immediate cause of increased peak airway pressure. It obstructs the flow of air, leading to a buildup of pressure in the system. This is the first thing the nurse should assess and correct to ensure the patient is receiving adequate ventilation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today