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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Keeping a night light on in the client's room and bathroom can help reduce the risk of falls by improving visibility and orientation at night. Placing the bedside table within the client's reach can help reduce the risk of falls by making it easier for the client to access necessary items without having to get up and move around. Locking the wheels on beds and wheelchairs during transfers can help reduce the risk of falls by providing stability and preventing unwanted movement.
Keeping the bed at a comfortable working height is important for the nurse's comfort and safety while providing care, but it does not directly reduce the risk of falls for the client.
Administering a sedative at bedtime may help the client sleep, but it can also increase the risk of falls by causing drowsiness and disorientation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When contributing to the plan of care for a client to achieve the outcome of functional healing of a fracture, the highest priority nursing intervention to assist in meeting this outcome is to maintain immobilization and alignment for the client. This helps to ensure that the bones are in the correct position to heal properly and can prevent complications such as malunion or nonunion.
a. Promoting independence in activities of daily living for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
b. Providing relief from pain and discomfort for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
d. Providing optimal nutrition and hydration for the client is important, but it is not the highest priority intervention for achieving functional healing of a fracture.
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