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 A
Explanation
If a nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and suspects that the client has autonomic dysreflexia, the first action the nurse should take is to raise the head of the bed. This can help to lower the client's blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke.
b. Checking the client for a fecal impaction is an important step in identifying and treating the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
c. Checking the client's bladder for distention is an important step in identifying and treating the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
d. Ensuring that the room temperature is warm is not a priority intervention for a client who has autonomic dysreflexia.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
The nurse should identify absence of pulse, altered sensation of the toes, and cool skin as possible manifestations of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur following surgery or injury. It is characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment that can lead to decreased blood flow and nerve damage.
Pain relieved by narcotics and capillary refill of 1 second are not manifestations of compartment syndrome. Pain relieved by narcotics is a normal response to pain medication. Capillary refill of 1 second is within the normal range and does not indicate compartment syndrome.
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