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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lidocaine does not primarily serve to relieve pain when administered intravenously. It is primarily used as an antiarrhythmic agent.
Choice B rationale
Lidocaine does not slow intestinal motility. This is not one of its primary actions.
Choice C rationale
Lidocaine does not dissolve blood clots. It is not an anticoagulant.
Choice D rationale
Lidocaine prevents dysrhythmias. It is an antidysrhythmic medication that delays the conduction in the heart and reduces the automaticity of heart tissue.
Correct Answer is ["7"]
Explanation
The nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 350 mg orally. The available amoxicillin is 250 mg per 5 mL.
Step 1: To find out how many mL the nurse should administer, we need to set up a proportion to calculate the dosage. The proportion is set up as follows: 350 mg (desired dose) : X mL (unknown quantity) = 250 mg (available dose) : 5 mL (known quantity)
Step 2: Cross-multiply to solve for X: 350 mg * 5 mL = 250 mg * X mL Step 3: Simplify the equation: 1750 mgmL = 250X mgmL Step 4: Divide both sides by 250 mg to solve for X: X = 1750 mg*mL ÷ 250 mg = 7 mL.So, the nurse should administer 7 mL of amoxicillin.
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