A nurse administered a dose of penicillin to a client 30 min ago. The client reports dizziness and wheezes when breathing. Which of the following questions by the nurse is the highest priority?
"Are you having difficulty breathing?"
"I'm going to take your heart rate."
"I need to give you diphenhydramine."
"Do you have any allergies to medications?"
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Asking the client if they are having difficulty breathing is the highest priority question, as it can assess the severity of their allergic reaction to penicillin and the risk of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that can cause airway obstruction and respiratory failure.
Choice B reason: Taking the client's heart rate is not a question, but an action that can be done after asking the client about their breathing status. The heart rate can indicate the presence of tachycardia or arrhythmia, which are signs of cardiovascular compromise due to an allergic reaction.
Choice C reason: Telling the client that they need to receive diphenhydramine is not a question, but an action that can be done after asking the client about their breathing status. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug that can reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, or wheezing.
Choice D reason: Asking the client if they have any allergies to medications is not a high priority question, as it can be done before administering penicillin or after stabilizing the client's condition. Knowing the client's allergy history can help prevent future adverse reactions and guide appropriate treatment choices.Question 42
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pupillary dilation is not a sign of opioid toxicity, but rather of opioid withdrawal or stimulant overdose. Opioid toxicity causes pupillary constriction or miosis.
Choice B reason: Hypotension is a sign of opioid toxicity sign of opioid toxicity, as opioids can depress the central nervous system and reduce cardiac output and peripheral resistance.
Choice C reason: Chest pain is not a sign of opioid toxicity, but rather of cardiac ischemia or infarction, which can be caused by cocaine or other stimulants.
Choice D reason: Diaphoresis is not a sign of opioid toxicity, but rather of opioid withdrawal or hyperthermia, which can be caused by ecstasy or other stimulants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chest x-ray showing cardiomegaly is not a new finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates enlargement of the heart due to increased workload and pressure on the cardiac chambers.
Choice B reason: PaCO2 55 mmHg is an abnormal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a condition where the lungs cannot eliminate enough carbon dioxide and the blood becomes too acidic. This can be caused by pulmonary edema, which is a complication of heart failure that impairs gas exchange and ventilation.
Choice C reason: Potassium level 4.5 mEq/L is a normal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates adequate electrolyte balance and renal function.
Choice D reason: Urinary output of 1,000 mL in 12 hr is a normal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates adequate fluid status and cardiac output.
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