A nurse in the emergency room is caring for a client who presents with manifestations that indicate a myocardial infarction. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse take first?
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Insert the IV catheter.
Obtain a blood sample.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is: B. Initiate oxygen therapy.
Choice A reason:
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, it is not the first priority. Ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen is more critical to prevent further myocardial damage. The ECG can be performed immediately after oxygen therapy is initiated to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.
Choice B reason:
Initiating oxygen therapy is the first priority because it ensures that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen, which is essential to prevent further damage during a myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy helps to maintain tissue oxygenation and can reduce the extent of myocardial injury. This immediate intervention is vital to stabilize the patient and improve outcomes.
Choice C reason:
Inserting the IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the first step. Oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure the heart and other vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Once oxygen is administered, IV access can be established to facilitate further treatment.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for confirming the diagnosis and assessing cardiac markers. However, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring the patient is oxygenated is more urgent to prevent further myocardial damage. Blood samples can be drawn after oxygen therapy is initiated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the results are not within the expected reference range. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because evaluating urine for amount and for specific gravity can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function. These actions can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function, which may be affected by nausea and vomiting. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion. The normal ranges for BUN are 7 to 20 mg/dL, for creatinine are
0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, and for hematocrit are 38% to 50% for males. The nurse should monitor the urine output and specific gravity, which reflect the concentration and volume of urine. The normal range for urine output is 30 to 60 mL/hour, and for specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is not indicated for this client. This action is used to diagnose urinary tract infections, which are not suggested by the client's symptoms or results.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because decreasing the IV fluid infusion rate and limiting oral fluid intake can worsen the client's dehydration and renal perfusion. The nurse should maintain adequate fluid intake and balance to prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cleaning the wound is not a priority when the client is bleeding profusely. Cleaning the wound can also dislodge any clots that have formed and increase bleeding.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because applying a tourniquet is a last resort when direct pressure fails to stop bleeding. A tourniquet can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, and infection if applied incorrectly or for too long.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because applying direct pressure over the wound is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. This is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. Direct pressure compresses the blood vessels and prevents further blood loss. The nurse should use a clean cloth or dressing to cover the wound and apply firm pressure with both hands.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because elevating the limb and applying ice are not effective actions to stop bleeding from a wound. Elevating the limb can reduce blood flow to the injured area, but it does not compress the blood vessels or prevent blood loss. Applying ice can cause vasoconstriction, but it can also damage the skin and tissues if applied for too long.

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