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:
The statement “I will wrap the suction catheters in a clean towel to be used again at a later time” is incorrect. Suction catheters should be disposed of after each use to prevent infection. Reusing catheters, even if wrapped in a clean towel, can introduce bacteria into the tracheostomy site, leading to potential infections.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “I will set the suction pressure dial between 80 and 120” is correct. The recommended suction pressure for adults is typically between 80 and 120 mmHg. This range is sufficient to effectively clear secretions without causing trauma to the tracheal mucosa. Setting the suction pressure within this range ensures safe and effective suctioning.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “I will suction for less than 15 seconds while inserting the suction catheter” is incorrect. Suctioning should be performed intermittently and for no longer than 10-15 seconds at a time. However, suctioning should not occur while inserting the catheter. Suction should be applied only while withdrawing the catheter to minimize trauma to the tracheal mucosa.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “I will suction the mouth before inserting the suction catheter into the tracheostomy” is incorrect. Suctioning the mouth before the tracheostomy can introduce oral bacteria into the tracheostomy site, increasing the risk of infection. The correct procedure is to suction the tracheostomy first and then the mouth if needed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This is correct. Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalance and affect the brain function, leading to confusion, dizziness, or lethargy.
Choice B: This is incorrect. Cool, clammy skin is a sign of shock, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause dry, warm skin.
Choice C: This is incorrect. Decrease in pulse rate is a sign of bradycardia, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause increase in pulse rate as the body tries to compensate for the low blood volume.
Choice D: This is incorrect. Increase in blood pressure is a sign of hypertension, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause decrease in blood pressure as the blood volume drops.
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