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 C
Explanation
Applying an ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling after total knee arthroplasty.
Placing pillows under the client’s knee (choice A) is not recommended as it can hinder circulation and delay healing.
Performing range-of-motion exercises to the client’s knee (choice B) may be part of the rehabilitation process but should be done under the guidance of a physical therapist and may not be appropriate for immediate pain relief.
Gently massaging the area around the client’s incision (choice D) may not be appropriate as it can cause discomfort and disrupt the healing process.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is a contraindication to receiving heparin.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a contraindication to receiving heparin.
Thalassemia is not a contraindication to receiving heparin.
COPD is not a contraindication to receiving heparin.
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