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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse should instruct the client to elevate the aﬀected ankle to the level of the heart. Elevation helps to reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and decreasing blood ﬂow to the injured area. This is an important part of the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for treating sprains and strains.

a. The elastic compression dressing should not be applied so tight that it causes numbness in the toes and ankle.
b. The client should avoid placing weight on the aﬀected leg when walking until advised by a healthcare provider.
d. Heat should not be applied during the first 24 hours after a sprain as it can increase swelling and inﬂammation.

A. Suggest that the client use a blunt object such as a comb to relieve the itch. B. Petal the edges of the cast. C. Tell the client to apply lotion to the irritated skin. D. Bivalve the cast.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

If a client reports skin irritation around the upper edge of a lower-leg cast, the nurse should petal the edges of the cast. This involves applying adhesive strips or moleskin around the edges of the cast to smooth them out and prevent them from rubbing against the skin.

a. Suggesting that the client use a blunt object such as a comb to relieve the itch is not recommended as it can cause further irritation or damage to the skin.
c. Telling the client to apply lotion to the irritated skin is not recommended as it can cause further irritation or damage to the skin and may also damage the cast.
d. Bivalving the cast is not necessary for skin irritation around the upper edge of the cast. Bivalving involves cutting the cast in half to relieve pressure and is typically only done in cases of severe swelling or compartment syndrome.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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