A nurse is assessing a client with a history of hypertension who presents with a severe headache, blurred vision, and confusion.
The nurse should prioritize which of the following actions?
Administering antihypertensive medication as prescribed.
Preparing the client for a lumbar puncture.
Initiating seizure precautions.
Monitoring the client’s blood glucose levels.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering antihypertensive medication as prescribed is the priority action for a client with a history of hypertension presenting with severe headache, blurred vision, and confusion.
These symptoms suggest a hypertensive crisis, which requires immediate blood pressure reduction to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale
Preparing the client for a lumbar puncture is not the priority action in this scenario. While a lumbar puncture may be necessary to rule out other conditions, the immediate concern is to manage the hypertensive crisis.
Choice C rationale
Initiating seizure precautions is important if the client is at risk of seizures, but the priority action is to address the hypertensive crisis by administering antihypertensive medication.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the client’s blood glucose levels is important for overall health management, but it is not the priority action in this scenario. The immediate concern is to manage the hypertensive crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and peripheral edema are common clinical manifestations of right heart failure (RHF). RHF leads to congestion of systemic circulation, causing fluid accumulation in the liver and peripheral tissues.
Choice B rationale
Crackles in the lungs are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema.
Choice C rationale
A dry hacking cough is not a typical symptom of right heart failure. It is more commonly associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
Choice D rationale
Altered mentation with pinpoint pupils is not a characteristic of right heart failure. These symptoms are more indicative of neurological conditions or opioid overdose.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cerebral edema is the swelling of the brain due to fluid accumulation, which can occur after excessive alcohol consumption. However, it is not related to myxedema, which is a condition associated with severe hypothyroidism.
Choice B rationale
The deposit of fatty tissue is associated with conditions like hyperaldosteronism, where there is an excess production of aldosterone. This condition does not cause the characteristic skin changes seen in myxedema.
Choice C rationale
Proliferation of tissue behind the eyes, known as exophthalmos, is common in hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves’ disease. Myxedema, on the other hand, is related to severe hypothyroidism and involves different pathophysiological mechanisms.
Choice D rationale
Myxedema is characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues, leading to swelling and thickening of the skin. This condition is a result of severe hypothyroidism and can lead to a myxedema crisis if left untreated.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.