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 ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because placing ice to the bridge of the client’s nose can cause vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow to the nasal mucosa.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because tilting the client's head backward can cause blood to drain into the throat and increase the risk of aspiration, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because moving the client into high-Fowler position can lower the blood pressure in the head and neck and decrease bleeding.
Choice D reason Reason This is incorrect because instructing the client to blow his nose can dislodge any clots that have formed and worsen bleeding.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because applying pressure to the nares can compress the bleeding site and promote clotting.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice a) is incorrect because nausea is not a common manifestation of ARF. Nausea is a sensation of discomfort in the stomach that may or may not lead to vomiting. Nausea can be caused by many other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, motion sickness, or pregnancy.
Choice b) is correct because severe dyspnea is a common manifestation of ARF. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling of difficulty or discomfort in breathing. Severe dyspnea indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen and may have low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) or high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia).
Choice c) is correct because headache is a common manifestation of ARF. Headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headache can be caused by high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), which can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the brain.
Choice d) is correct because a decreased level of consciousness is a common manifestation of ARF. Level of consciousness is a measure of how alert and oriented a person is. A decreased level of consciousness can be caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or acid-base imbalance, which can affect brain function and mental status.
Choice e) is correct because hypotension is a common manifestation of ARF. Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure is lower than normal. Hypotension can be caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), which can impair heart function and reduce cardiac output.
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