A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a closed head injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications.

Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.

Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.

Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.

Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.

Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.

Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).

Choice A reason:

Eating 1 g/kg of protein per day is the appropriate recommendation. When providing discharge teaching to a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving haemodialysis, the nurse should include the instruction to eat an appropriate amount of protein, which is usually recommended at a specific daily intake based on the client's weight.

Clients with CKD often have dietary restrictions, including limiting protein intake to reduce the workload on the kidneys. However, protein intake is still necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The recommended protein intake for clients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis is typically around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

Choice B reason:

Drink at least 3 L of fluid daily. Clients receiving haemodialysis typically have fluid restrictions, as impaired kidney function can lead to fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances. The specific fluid allowance will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the client's individual needs, and it may be significantly less than 3 L per day.

Choice Doption

Take magnesium hydroxide for ingestion. Magnesium hydroxide is a laxative and antacid used to relieve constipation and heartburn. It is not typically prescribed for clients with chronic kidney disease, especially without proper evaluation of their kidney function and overall medical condition.

Choice Coption:

C. Consume foods high in potassium.

Clients with chronic kidney disease, especially that undergoing haemodialysis, often need to restrict potassium intake. Impaired kidney function can lead to the build-up of potassium in the blood, which can be harmful. Therefore, it is essential for clients with CKD to avoid or limit foods high in potassium.