A nurse is administering nicardipine to a client who has a BP of 180/120 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check for orthostatic hypertension.
Assist the client to make lifestyle changes.
Instruct the client to restrict sodium intake.
Monitor the client's BP every 5 minutes.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Check for orthostatic hypotension. While important, checking for orthostatic hypotension is not the priority action in a hypertensive emergency, where rapid blood pressure reduction is necessary.
B. Assist the client to make lifestyle changes. Assisting the client with lifestyle changes is part of long-term blood pressure management but is not a priority action when administering nicardipine for acute hypertension.
C. Instruct the client to restrict sodium intake. Sodium restriction is a key component of managing hypertension but is not the priority action during an acute hypertensive crisis.
D. Monitor the client's BP every 5 minutes. In a hypertensive crisis, frequent monitoring of the client’s blood pressure is essential to ensure the medication is lowering blood pressure safely and effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypertension stage 2: Hypertension stage 2 is defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg. The client’s reading of 124/74 mm Hg does not fall into this category.
B. Elevated or Prehypertension: A systolic blood pressure between 120-129 mm Hg and a diastolic <80 mm Hg is classified as elevated or prehypertension. The client’s systolic BP of 124 mm Hg places him in this category.
C. Hypertension stage 1: Hypertension stage 1 is defined as a systolic BP between 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP between 80-89 mm Hg. The client’s BP of 124/74 mm Hg does not meet this criterion.
D. Within the expected reference range: The normal range for blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. The client’s BP of 124/74 mm Hg is slightly elevated and does not fall within the expected reference range.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check the client's distal pulses in both legs. It is important to assess distal pulses to ensure adequate circulation and to detect any signs of potential complications, such as arterial occlusion or hematoma formation, after cardiac catheterization.
B. Keep the client overnight. Most clients do not need to be kept overnight after cardiac catheterization unless there are complications. This option is unnecessary in routine cases.
C. Restrict the client's oral fluids. Clients are encouraged to increase oral fluids after the procedure to help flush out the contrast dye used during the catheterization and reduce the risk of kidney damage.
D. Keep the client on bed rest for 12 hr. Bed rest is required for a few hours (typically 4-6 hours) after cardiac catheterization to reduce the risk of bleeding from the puncture site. However, 12 hours of bed rest is generally not necessary unless there are specific complications.
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