A nurse is caring for a client who develops an anaphylactic reaction to IV antibiotic administration.
After assessing the client’s respiratory status and stopping the medication infusion, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Administer epinephrine IM.
Replace the infusion with 0.9% sodium chloride.
Give diphenhydramine IM.
Elevate the clients legs and feet.
The Correct Answer is A
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Epinephrine works by reducing the body’s allergic response and improving the breathing and circulation of the client. Epinephrine should be given as soon as possible after the onset of anaphylaxis symptoms, using an auto-injector device if available.
Choice B is wrong because replacing the infusion with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is not enough to treat anaphylaxis. Normal saline can help maintain the blood pressure and hydration of the client, but it does not reverse the allergic reaction or improve the breathing of the client. Normal saline can be given after epinephrine, but not before or instead of it.
Choice C is wrong because giving diphenhydramine IM is not enough to treat anaphylaxis. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can help relieve some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as itching and hives, but it works too slowly and does not address the more serious effects of anaphylaxis on the breathing and circulation of the client. Diphenhydramine can be given after epinephrine, but not before or instead of it.
Choice D is wrong because elevating the client's legs and feet is not enough to treat anaphylaxis. Elevating the legs and feet can help increase the blood flow to the vital organs, but it does not reverse the allergic reaction or improve the breathing of the client. Elevating the legs and feet can be done after epinephrine, but not before or instead of it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The air bubble should not be expelled from the syringe before administering enoxaparin. The air bubble is included to ensure that the entire dose is administered and to help prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue, which can reduce bruising.
Choice B rationale:
After administering enoxaparin, applying firm pressure (but not massaging) to the injection site helps minimize bruising and bleeding. It's important not to massage the site as this can increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
The needle should be inserted fully into the subcutaneous tissue at a 90-degree angle (or at a 45-degree angle if the client has little subcutaneous tissue). Inserting the needle halfway may result in improper administration.
Choice D rationale:
Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin that should be administered subcutaneously, not intramuscularly. Administering it intramuscularly could increase the risk of bleeding and is not the appropriate route for this medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because swelling of the feet can be a sign of lithium toxicity, which is a serious condition that can occur when the level of lithium in the blood is too high. Lithium toxicity can cause confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and kidney problems. Therefore, the client should report any signs of lithium toxicity to their provider as soon as possible.
Choice A is wrong because limiting foods containing tyramine is not necessary for clients taking lithium. Tyramine is a substance found in some foods that can interact with certain antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but not with lithium.
Choice B is wrong because decreasing the daily sodium intake can actually increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Sodium helps to regulate the amount of lithium in the body, so if the sodium level is low, the lithium level can rise too high.
The client should maintain a normal sodium intake and drink enough fluids while taking lithium.
Choice C is wrong because taking this medication 2 hours before a meal is not required for clients taking lithium.
Lithium can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day to keep a steady level in the blood.
Taking lithium 2 hours before a meal may cause stomach upset, which is a common side effect of lithium.
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