A nurse in an emergency department is preparing a client for emergency surgery.
The client's blood alcohol level is 180 mg/dL.
Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Insert an NG tube.
Obtain consent for surgery.
Apply antiembolic stockings.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Insert an NG tube.
Choice A rationale: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output in some cases, but in this situation, the priority is to insert an NG tube. This will help prevent aspiration during surgery due to the client's high blood alcohol level, which increases the risk of vomiting.
Choice B rationale: Inserting an NG tube is the priority action for the nurse because a high blood alcohol level increases the risk of vomiting and aspiration during surgery. An NG tube can help reduce this risk by keeping the stomach empty and minimizing the chance of aspiration.
Choice C rationale: Obtaining consent for surgery is important, but in emergency situations, consent may be implied, or a designated surrogate decision-maker may provide consent. It is not the priority action for the nurse in this scenario.
Choice D rationale: Applying antiembolic stockings is a preventive measure for deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the priority action in this case. Ensuring the client's safety during surgery, specifically by preventing aspiration, takes precedence due to the client's high blood alcohol level.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The priority topic for the nurse to review with the client is monitoring changes in weight.
A sudden weight gain may mean that the client’s heart failure is getting worse and they should call their doctor if they have a sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week.
Choice A is wrong because while daily exercise is important for overall health, it is not the priority topic for the nurse to review with the client.
Choice B is wrong because while daily sodium restrictions are important for managing heart failure, it is not the priority topic for the nurse to review with the client.
Choice C is wrong because while monitoring fluid intake is important for managing heart failure, it is not the priority topic for the nurse to review with the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A change in behavior such as agitation and restlessness in a client with a traumatic brain injury can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure.
The nurse should first assess the client’s blood pressure as an increase in blood pressure can be an indicator of increased intracranial pressure.
Motor responses are not the first assessment that should be performed.
Blood glucose is not the first assessment that should be performed.
Urinary output is not the first assessment that should be performed.
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