A nurse at a community health clinic is caring for a client who reports a headache and stiff neck. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Obtain a throat culture specimen.
Perform a complete blood count.
Check the client's temperature.
Administer an oral analgesic.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Obtaining a throat culture specimen might be necessary if a throat infection is suspected, but it is not the immediate priority without first assessing the presence of fever or other systemic signs.
B. Performing a complete blood count could be useful in diagnosing underlying conditions or infections but is not the initial action; the temperature check provides immediate information about potential systemic infection.
C. Check the client's temperature.Headache and stiff neck are symptoms that could be associated with various conditions, including infections such as meningitis. A fever often accompanies infections, and checking the client's temperature helps in identifying if there is a fever, which could be indicative of an infection requiring further evaluation and treatment.
D. Administering an oral analgesic could provide symptom relief but does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. It is essential first to assess the client’s condition fully before initiating symptomatic treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A client who has chronic atrial fibrillation is at risk for an ischemic embolic stroke. An ischemic embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot that forms in one part of the body travels to the brain and blocks blood flow. Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood to pool, thicken, and clot in the heart or arteries near it. Pieces of these clots can travel to the brain and cause an ischemic embolic stroke.
a. A client who has an arteriovenous malformation is not at risk for an ischemic embolic stroke.
b. A client who has thrombocytopenia is not at risk for an ischemic embolic stroke.
d. A client who has uncontrolled hypertension is at risk for a stroke but not specifically an ischemic embolic
stroke.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a.A GCS score of 8 indicates severe impairment, suggesting the client may be in a state where they cannot perform basic self-care activities and thus require total nursing care.
b.A GCS score of 8 indicates severe impairment but not necessarily a deep coma. Scores below 8 suggest a comatose state, but deep coma is more likely to be indicated by a score of 3-4.
c.A GCS score of 8 is not consistent with a client who is alert and oriented. This score indicates significant neurological impairment.
d.A GCS score of 8 does not indicate stable neurological status. It suggests severe impairment and potentially unstable or deteriorating neurological condition.
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