A nurse is caring for a client who has an abdominal aortic aneurysm and reports a feeling of heaviness in the chest while ambulating in the hall. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer supplemental oxygen.
Have the client sit down.
Check the client’s vital signs.
Notify the provider immediately.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Administering oxygen is premature without assessing the cause of chest heaviness. While hypoxia may occur in aneurysm rupture, stopping exertion reduces cardiovascular demand first, prioritizing safety in a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm at risk for rupture.
Choice B reason: Having the client sit down is the priority, as chest heaviness may signal aneurysm instability. Rest reduces aortic wall stress and oxygen demand, preventing rupture or dissection, stabilizing the client for further assessment and intervention in this high-risk condition.
Choice C reason: Checking vital signs is important but secondary to stopping exertion. Chest heaviness suggests potential aneurysm rupture, and continued ambulation risks catastrophe. Sitting the client minimizes cardiovascular stress, allowing subsequent vital sign checks to guide further actions effectively.
Choice D reason: Notifying the provider is critical but not first. Chest heaviness requires immediate cessation of activity to reduce aortic pressure. Sitting stabilizes the client, allowing data collection (e.g., vital signs) before provider notification, ensuring urgent intervention for potential aneurysm complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Washing hands for 10 seconds with hot water is insufficient; at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water is recommended to remove pathogens post-gardening. Hot water alone is ineffective, so this statement reflects incomplete understanding, making it incorrect.
Choice B reason: Visiting a nephew with chickenpox 5 days after sores crust indicates understanding, as the virus is no longer contagious then. This aligns with CDC guidelines for varicella, protecting the pregnant client and fetus, making it the correct statement.
Choice C reason: Cleaning a cat’s litter box during pregnancy risks toxoplasmosis, which can harm the fetus. Pregnant women should avoid this task, so this statement shows a lack of understanding, making it incorrect for infection prevention.
Choice D reason: Avoiding anyone with a cold sore is overly restrictive, as herpes simplex transmission requires direct contact. General avoidance without context reflects misunderstanding, as precautions like avoiding kissing suffice, making this incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypernatremia is unlikely with 0.45% sodium chloride, a hypotonic solution that dilutes serum sodium. Over-infusion risks hyponatremia, not high sodium levels. Monitoring for hypernatremia is inappropriate, as the solution’s low sodium content does not contribute to elevated sodium in fluid therapy.
Choice B reason: Assessing for fluid overload is essential, as 0.45% sodium chloride, being hypotonic, can cause water to shift into cells, risking pulmonary or cerebral edema. This is critical in clients with renal or cardiac issues, where monitoring for dyspnea or swelling ensures safe fluid administration.
Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia is not directly linked to 0.45% sodium chloride, which affects fluid and electrolytes, not glucose. Fluid shifts may indirectly stress metabolism, but hypoglycemia relates to fasting or insulin issues, making this an inappropriate focus for monitoring in this fluid therapy context.
Choice D reason: Dehydration is unlikely, as 0.45% sodium chloride provides free water, promoting hydration. It corrects hypernatremia or replaces fluid losses. Evaluating for dehydration is unnecessary unless infusion is inadequate or losses persist, which is not indicated in the context of this hypotonic solution.
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