A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing profuse vomiting.
Upon admission, the client's vital signs were within the expected reference range, but now the client's blood pressure is 86/58 mm Hg, his pulse is 114/min and weak, and his respiratory rate is 27/min.
The client appears restless and anxious and states that he thinks he is dying.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer a vasoconstrictor.
Increase the IV infusion rate.
Elevate the client's feet.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering a vasoconstrictor is a potential intervention for shock but it is not the first action. The client's hypotension and tachycardia are indicative of hypovolemic shock due to profuse vomiting, leading to fluid loss. The body's initial compensatory mechanism involves vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure, so further constriction without addressing the volume deficit can worsen tissue perfusion.
Choice B rationale
The client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock, including a low blood pressure of 86/58 mmHg, a high pulse of 114/min, and a high respiratory rate of 27/min. These are physiological compensations for reduced circulating blood volume. Increasing the intravenous infusion rate directly addresses the primary problem by rapidly replacing lost fluid volume, thereby increasing preload, stroke volume, cardiac output, and ultimately, blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the client's feet can temporarily increase venous return to the heart and improve blood pressure. However, this is a passive measure that does not address the underlying fluid deficit causing the hypovolemic shock. It is a helpful adjunctive action but is not the definitive first-line intervention required to correct the circulatory collapse in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Initiating oxygen therapy is a supportive measure for shock because it helps improve tissue oxygenation, which is compromised due to poor perfusion. While beneficial, it does not correct the root cause of the shock, which is the lack of circulating fluid volume. The most immediate and life-saving intervention is to restore fluid volume to improve cardiac output and blood pressure
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A nonstress test (NST) does not require the client to fast. The client can eat and drink normally, and sometimes a sugary beverage is even encouraged to stimulate fetal movement, as the test aims to record fetal heart rate accelerations in response to these movements.
Choice B rationale
The nonstress test is a screening tool used to assess fetal well-being by measuring the fetal heart rate's response to fetal movement. It does not provide information about genetic problems, which are typically identified through genetic testing or prenatal diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis.
Choice C rationale
A key component of the nonstress test involves the mother noting fetal movements. The client is given a marker, often a button, to press each time she feels the baby move. This action correlates the mother's perception of movement with the fetal heart rate accelerations recorded on the monitor.
Choice D rationale
Oxytocin is not administered during a nonstress test. The purpose of this test is to assess the baby's baseline heart rate and accelerations without external stimulation. Oxytocin is used in a contraction stress test, which is a different procedure to evaluate how the baby handles uterine contractions. *.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Tetracycline binds to divalent and trivalent cations such as calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. Milk and dairy products are rich in calcium, so taking tetracycline with milk significantly reduces its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, rendering the medication less effective. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
Choice B rationale
Taking tetracycline at bedtime is not a recommended practice for this drug. Although some medications are taken at night to avoid side effects or promote sleep, tetracycline can cause gastroesophageal reflux or esophagitis, particularly when a person lies down soon after ingestion. It is important to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Choice C rationale
Photosensitivity is a well-documented adverse effect of tetracycline. The drug sensitizes the skin to ultraviolet light, leading to an exaggerated sunburn reaction. This is due to the drug's accumulation in the skin and its ability to absorb light energy. Clients must be advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Choice D rationale
Tetracycline is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects, but diarrhea is far more common than constipation. This is often due to the disruption of the normal gut flora, which can lead to opportunistic infections like Clostridium difficile. While not exclusively causing diarrhea, constipation is not a typical adverse effect and should not be the primary teaching point. *.
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