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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, typically causes hypotension via alpha-adrenergic blockade, not hypertension. Expecting blood pressure elevation shows misunderstanding, as its cardiovascular effects require monitoring for orthostatic changes, not hypertensive risks, in depression treatment.
Choice B reason: Acknowledging a 2-4 week delay for amitriptyline’s effect shows understanding, as tricyclics increase synaptic serotonin and norepinephrine gradually, requiring neuroplastic changes for mood improvement. This reflects accurate knowledge of the drug’s onset, critical for managing expectations in depression therapy.
Choice C reason: Taking amitriptyline on an empty stomach is incorrect, as food reduces gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. Its absorption is unaffected by food, but taking it with meals improves tolerability, indicating a misunderstanding of administration guidelines for effective therapy.
Choice D reason: Morning dosing of amitriptyline is incorrect, as its sedative effects, via histamine blockade, are best utilized at bedtime to aid sleep. Morning use may cause daytime drowsiness, reducing adherence, indicating a misunderstanding of its pharmacological profile in depression management.

A. A client who describes having persistent feelings of anger about the hurricane. B. A client who expresses a realization that life will not return to the way it was before the hurricane. C. A client who moved to an apartment located on higher ground than her previous home. D. A client who has frequent nightmares about the hurricane. E. A client who describes feeling disconnected from those around him following the hurricane.

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Persistent anger about the hurricane is a PTSD symptom, reflecting emotional dysregulation and hyperarousal post-trauma. This ongoing distress, per DSM-5 criteria, warrants referral for mental health evaluation to address potential PTSD, making it a correct indicator for intervention.
Choice B reason: Realizing life will not return to normal is a realistic adjustment, not necessarily a PTSD symptom. Without additional distress indicators, this does not meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD, making it incorrect for requiring a referral in this context.
Choice C reason: Moving to higher ground is a practical response to reduce future risk, not a PTSD symptom. It reflects adaptive coping rather than psychological distress, so it does not warrant a referral for PTSD assessment, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Frequent nightmares about the hurricane are a hallmark PTSD symptom, classified as intrusive re-experiencing per DSM-5. This significant distress disrupts sleep and daily functioning, necessitating a referral for mental health evaluation, making it a correct choice.
Choice E reason: Feeling disconnected from others indicates emotional numbing, a PTSD avoidance symptom per DSM-5. This social withdrawal post-hurricane suggests significant psychological impact, warranting a referral for PTSD assessment to address underlying trauma, making it correct.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a depressive disorder and a new prescription for amitriptyline. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is counseling a group of clients from a town that was affected by a hurricane 6 months ago. For which of the following clients should the nurse initiate a referral to assess for the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

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