A nurse is assessing a client who received an IM antibiotic injection 15 min ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of a possible anaphylactic reaction to the medication?
A feeling of swelling in the feet
Pain at the injection site
A sudden decrease in heart rate
A sharp decrease in blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
A. A feeling of swelling in the feet:
Swelling in the feet is not a typical sign of an anaphylactic reaction to an IM antibiotic injection. Anaphylaxis usually involves more rapid and widespread symptoms that can affect various body systems.
B. Pain at the injection site:
Pain at the injection site is a common side effect of intramuscular (IM) injections and is not typically indicative of an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylactic reactions are characterized by more systemic and severe symptoms.
C. A sudden decrease in heart rate:
An anaphylactic reaction typically involves an increase in heart rate rather than a decrease. The body's response to an allergen in an anaphylactic reaction often includes a rapid heart rate, as part of the systemic release of inflammatory mediators.
D. A sharp decrease in blood pressure:
This is the correct answer. Anaphylactic reactions can lead to a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, which is a critical and life-threatening symptom. This is due to the release of vasodilatory substances and increased permeability of blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in blood volume within the vessels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gown:
- After removing gloves, the gown should be taken off. The gown is considered the second most contaminated item. It is important to avoid contact with the outer surface of the gown while removing it.
B. Gloves:
- Gloves should be removed first because they are the most likely part of the PPE to be contaminated. Care should be taken to avoid touching the outside of the gloves, and they should be disposed of properly.
C. Mask:
- The mask is removed next. Care should be taken to handle the mask by the ties or ear loops without touching the front surface. Removing the mask last helps protect the nurse from potential respiratory droplets on the mask.
D. Eyewear/Face Shield:
- Eyewear or face shield is removed last. Similar to the other components, it should be handled carefully to prevent self-contamination. This step helps protect the eyes and face from any potential splashes or airborne particles.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client is consuming 25% of their meals.
Poor nutritional intake can lead to complications over time, but it is not the most immediate concern compared to other options. This finding is important but not the highest priority.
B. The client coughs frequently while eating.
Frequent coughing while eating can indicate dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which increases the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, which is life-threatening. This is the nurse’s priority finding because it poses an immediate risk to the client’s airway and respiratory status.
C. The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.
The blood pressure is elevated, which is concerning, especially in a post-stroke client. However, it is not critically high and does not present an immediate threat compared to the risk of aspiration.
D. The client leans to the left side while sitting.
Leaning to the left side while sitting could indicate poor balance or proprioception, which increases the risk of falls. While important to address, it is not as immediately critical as the risk of aspiration.
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