A nurse in the emergency department is attending to a patient exhibiting symptoms of a myocardial infarction. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Obtain a blood sample.
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Insert an IV catheter.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The priority action for a nurse when caring for a patient exhibiting symptoms of a myocardial infarction is to initiate oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is crucial because it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can help reduce the heart’s workload and relieve pain. This intervention is aimed at reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving oxygen supply to the ischemic myocardium.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a blood sample is important as it can help diagnose a myocardial infarction. Blood tests can measure levels of certain proteins, such as troponins, in the bloodstream that can indicate heart muscle damage. However, this is not the immediate priority when compared to initiating oxygen therapy.
Choice C rationale
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is an important step in the assessment of a patient with suspected myocardial infarction. An ECG can show whether the heart muscle has been damaged and where the damage has occurred. However, this should be done after initiating oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale
Inserting an IV catheter is a necessary step in the management of a myocardial infarction. It allows for the administration of medications and fluids as needed. However, it is not the first priority. The first priority is to stabilize the patient, which includes initiating oxygen therapy.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Providing a diet containing 2 g of sodium per day is not typically part of the treatment for SIADH. In fact, increasing sodium intake could potentially worsen hyponatremia, a common condition in SIADH7.
Choice B rationale
Administering desmopressin acetate 0.2 mg orally is not typically part of the treatment for SIADH. Desmopressin is a synthetic form of ADH, and administering this medication could potentially worsen the symptoms of SIADH, which is characterized by an overproduction of ADH7.
Choice C rationale
Restricting fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day is often part of the treatment for SIADH. This helps to correct the imbalance of water in the body, which is a common issue in SIADH8.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining an IV of 0.45% sodium chloride is not typically part of the treatment for SIADH. This type of IV fluid is hypotonic, meaning it has a lower concentration of solutes (like sodium) than the blood. This could potentially worsen the hyponatremia seen in SIADH7.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sliced ham with green salad might not be the best choice for a patient with diverticulitis. Ham is a processed meat, which is generally high in fat and can be difficult to digest, potentially irritating the digestive tract. Moreover, a green salad, while generally healthy, can be high in fiber, especially if it includes raw vegetables. During a diverticulitis flare-up, a low-fiber diet is recommended.
Choice B rationale
Grilled chicken breast with white rice is an excellent choice for a patient with diverticulitis. Chicken is a lean protein that is easy to digest. White rice is a low-fiber carbohydrate that is
also easy on the digestive system. This meal is consistent with the dietary recommendations for diverticulitis during the recovery phase, which includes low-fiber foods.
Choice C rationale
A turkey sandwich with celery sticks might not be suitable for a patient with diverticulitis. While turkey is a lean protein, celery sticks are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest, potentially irritating the digestive tract.
Choice D rationale
Pork tenderloin with green peas might not be the best choice for a patient with diverticulitis. Although pork tenderloin is a lean meat, green peas are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest, potentially irritating the digestive tract.
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