A nurse in an emergency department is receiving report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A client who has heart failure and received a diuretic 30 min ago
A client who has hypertension and reports a severe headache
A client who reports frequent and painful urination
A client who reports left arm pain following a fall
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. A client who has heart failure and received a diuretic 30 min ago: While this client should be monitored for urine output and signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, there is no indication of acute distress requiring immediate attention.
B. A client who has hypertension and reports a severe headache: This could indicate a hypertensive crisis or impending stroke, both of which are life-threatening and require urgent assessment and intervention to prevent neurological damage or organ failure.
C. A client who reports frequent and painful urination: These are signs of a urinary tract infection, which, while uncomfortable, is not typically emergent unless accompanied by fever, flank pain, or systemic symptoms.
D. A client who reports left arm pain following a fall: The arm pain may indicate a fracture, but it is less urgent than potential end-organ damage from a hypertensive emergency, assuming no deformity or vascular compromise is described.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Polydipsia: Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is commonly associated with hyperglycemia due to osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. It is not a typical feature of hypoglycemia.
B. Tremors: Tremors are a hallmark symptom of hypoglycemia. They result from the body's adrenergic (sympathetic) response to low blood glucose levels, which triggers the release of epinephrine to raise glucose.
C. Acetone breath odor: A fruity or acetone breath odor is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. It indicates ketone buildup due to fat metabolism in the absence of insulin.
D. Inability to concentrate: Cognitive impairment, such as confusion or difficulty concentrating, is a neurological symptom of hypoglycemia. The brain relies heavily on glucose, and low levels affect its function quickly.
E. Diaphoresis: Sweating is a common autonomic symptom of hypoglycemia due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. It often occurs early in a hypoglycemic episode and is a critical sign to monitor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Placement of the catheter is confirmed by a CT scan.": Catheter placement is typically confirmed by a chest X-ray, not a CT scan, to verify correct positioning and rule out complications such as pneumothorax. CT imaging is not routine for this purpose.
B. "You will be under general anesthesia for this procedure.": Placement of a nontunneled percutaneous central line is usually done under local anesthesia with possible mild sedation. General anesthesia is not required for this relatively short and minimally invasive procedure.
C. "The provider will wear a mask while performing the procedure.": A mask, along with sterile gloves, gown, and drape, is worn to maintain sterile technique and reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections. This is standard protocol during central line insertion.
D. "Your head will be elevated as high as possible while the catheter is inserted.": The client is usually placed in the Trendelenburg position (head down) during catheter insertion to distend neck veins and reduce the risk of air embolism—not in a high head-elevated position.
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