A nurse is administering an IV antihypertensive to a client who has a BP of 185/130 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check for orthostatic hypertension.
Instruct the client to restrict sodium intake.
Assist the client to make lifestyle changes.
Monitor the client's BP every 5 minutes.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Check for orthostatic hypertension: While checking for orthostatic hypertension is important; it is not the first action a nurse should take when administering an IV antihypertensive. The priority is to monitor the client’s response to the medication.
B. Instruct the client to restrict sodium intake: While dietary modifications such as sodium restriction can help manage hypertension, it is not the immediate concern when administering an IV antihypertensive. The priority is to monitor the client’s response to the medication.
C. Assist the client to make lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes are a crucial part of managing hypertension, but they are not the immediate concern when administering an IV antihypertensive. The priority is to monitor the client’s response to the medication.
D. Monitor the client’s BP every 5 minutes: This is the correct answer. When administering an IV antihypertensive, it is crucial to closely monitor the client’s blood pressure to assess the effectiveness of the medication and to ensure the client’s safety. The client’s high blood pressure of 185/130 mm Hg is a serious condition that requires immediate and careful management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) "A heating pad will be used on the operative site to help reduce pain.":
Using a heating pad on the operative site is generally not recommended post-surgery, as it can increase bleeding and swelling. Cold therapy is usually preferred to help reduce pain and inflammation.
(B) "You will use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine several times a day.":
Continuous passive motion machines are typically used after knee replacement surgeries, not hip replacement surgeries. Therefore, this statement would not be accurate for a total hip replacement.
(C) "Expect to remain in bed for at least the first 24 hours.":
Early mobilization is crucial after hip replacement surgery to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery. Patients are usually encouraged to get out of bed and start moving with assistance as soon as possible, often within the first 24 hours.
(D) "You will use a special soap to shower with the evening before your surgery.":
Using a special antiseptic soap before surgery is a common preoperative instruction to help reduce the risk of infection. This statement is correct and should be included in the preoperative teaching.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
(A) Decreased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS): The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. When the SNS is stimulated, it causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Therefore, decreased stimulation of the SNS would typically lead to vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which would lower blood pressure, not increase it.
(B) Decreased elasticity of blood vessels: As people age, their blood vessels can lose elasticity, which can lead to hypertension. When blood vessels are elastic, they can easily expand and contract with each heartbeat, maintaining a healthy blood pressure. But when they become stiff or rigid, they can’t expand as easily, causing the pressure inside to increase.
(c) Increased peripheral vascular resistance (PVR): Peripheral vascular resistance is the resistance that blood must overcome to flow through the blood vessels. The more resistance, the harder the heart has to work to pump blood through the body, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Factors that can increase PVR include vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, and increased blood viscosity, or thickness.
(D) Decreased fluid volume: Decreased fluid volume, or hypovolemia, would typically lead to a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. This is because blood pressure is directly related to the volume of blood in the blood vessels. When there’s less blood, the pressure inside the blood vessels is usually lower.
(E) Increased blood viscosity: Blood viscosity refers to the thickness of the blood. When blood is thicker, it’s harder for it to flow through the blood vessels, which increases the resistance to blood flow, leading to increased blood pressure.
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