A nurse is caring for a client who develops an airway obstruction from a foreign body but remains conscious. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Perform a blind finger sweep.
Turn the client to the side.
Insert an oral airway.
Administer the abdominal thrust maneuver.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Perform a Blind Finger Sweep
Performing a blind finger sweep is not recommended because it can push the foreign object further into the airway, making the obstruction worse. This method is only advised if the object is clearly visible and can be safely removed without causing further harm.
Choice B reason: Turn the Client to the Side
Turning the client to the side can be helpful in certain situations, such as when the client is unconscious or at risk of vomiting. However, in the case of a conscious client with a foreign body airway obstruction, this action does not directly address the obstruction and is not the first priority.
Choice C reason: Insert an Oral Airway
Inserting an oral airway is typically used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious patient who cannot maintain their own airway. For a conscious client with a foreign body obstruction, this action is not appropriate and could cause further complications.
Choice D reason: Administer the Abdominal Thrust Maneuver
Administering the abdominal thrust maneuver (also known as the Heimlich maneuver) is the recommended first action for a conscious client with a foreign body airway obstruction. This technique involves standing behind the client, placing a fist just above their navel, and delivering quick, upward thrusts to expel the foreign object. This method is effective in creating an artificial cough that can dislodge the obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Vesicles on the skin are more commonly associated with cutaneous anthrax, not inhalation anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax typically presents with a raised, itchy bump that develops into a painless sore with a black center.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory failure is a severe and common symptom of inhalation anthrax. Inhalation anthrax begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress, shock, and often death if not treated promptly.
Choice C Reason:
Flu-like symptoms are indeed an early sign of inhalation anthrax, but they are not specific enough to indicate exposure definitively. These symptoms include sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Choice D Reason:
Coughing of blood can occur in the later stages of inhalation anthrax as the disease progresses and the respiratory system becomes severely compromised.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Generalized Urticaria
Generalized urticaria, or widespread hives, is a common sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. This reaction occurs when the recipient’s immune system reacts to proteins in the donor blood. Symptoms can range from mild, such as itching and hives, to severe, including anaphylaxis. Immediate intervention typically involves stopping the transfusion and administering antihistamines.
Choice B reason: Distended Jugular Veins
Distended jugular veins are not indicative of an allergic transfusion reaction. This finding is more commonly associated with conditions such as congestive heart failure or fluid overload. In the context of a blood transfusion, it could suggest circulatory overload rather than an allergic reaction.
Choice C reason: Blood Pressure 184/92 mm Hg
An elevated blood pressure reading, such as 184/92 mm Hg, is not specific to an allergic transfusion reaction. While blood pressure changes can occur during a transfusion, they are not a hallmark of an allergic response. This finding could be related to other factors, such as anxiety or pre-existing hypertension.
Choice D reason: Bilateral Flank Pain
Bilateral flank pain is not a typical symptom of an allergic transfusion reaction. This symptom is more commonly associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions, where the recipient’s immune system attacks the donor red blood cells, leading to hemolysis and subsequent kidney pain.
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