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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Negligence refers to conduct that falls below the standard established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm. A nurse leaving her shift early without notifying the charge nurse could be considered negligent if it results in harm to a patient.
Choice B rationale
Battery refers to the intentional and offensive or harmful touching of another person without their consent. This does not apply to the scenario provided.
Choice C rationale
Slander involves making false spoken statements that damage a person’s reputation. This does not apply to the scenario provided.
Choice D rationale
Libel involves making false written statements that damage a person’s reputation. This does not apply to the scenario provided.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Finasteride, a medication used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, can cause several side effects, including a decrease in libido or sexual desire.
Choice B rationale
There’s no specific interaction between finasteride and grapefruit juice. Therefore, patients don’t need to avoid grapefruit juice when taking this medication.
Choice C rationale
Finasteride can actually cause a decrease in PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. If a patient is having a PSA test, they should tell their doctor they are taking finasteride because it can affect the results.
Choice D rationale
It may take up to six months or more to see the full effects of finasteride. Therefore, patients should not expect to see a response within one week.
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