A nurse is caring for a client who has angina and reports a feeling of heaviness in the chest while ambulating in the hall. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain a 12-lead ECG for the client.
Administer sublingual nitroglycerin to the client.
Measure the client's vital signs.
Have the client stop walking and sit down.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG for the client: An ECG is important to assess for myocardial ischemia or infarction, but it should be done after immediate measures are taken to reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
B. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin to the client: Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries, but it should be given only after the client is safely seated or resting to prevent hypotension or injury.
C. Measure the client's vital signs: Vital signs provide valuable baseline data, but addressing the client’s immediate safety and reducing cardiac workload takes priority.
D. Have the client stop walking and sit down: Stopping activity decreases oxygen demand on the heart and prevents worsening ischemia or collapse, making it the first and most critical action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices
• Reye's syndrome: The toddler presents with acute onset of vomiting, lethargy, and altered mental status following a recent viral illness (influenza A). These are hallmark signs of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition causing hepatic and cerebral dysfunction in children.
• Aspirin administration: Use of aspirin during viral infections in children is strongly associated with the development of Reye’s syndrome. The guardians reported alternating aspirin with acetaminophen, directly increasing the toddler’s risk for this potentially life-threatening condition.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices
• Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis typically presents with diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting. While vomiting is present, the toddler also demonstrates lethargy and neurologic changes, which are not characteristic of routine gastroenteritis.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis usually causes productive cough, wheezing, or respiratory distress. This toddler has a non-productive cough and clear lung sounds, making bronchitis an unlikely explanation for the current acute neurological and systemic symptoms.
• Oseltamivir administration: Oseltamivir is an antiviral used to treat influenza and is not associated with the development of Reye’s syndrome. The toddler’s severe symptoms are unrelated to this medication.
• Acetaminophen administration: Acetaminophen is generally safe in children at recommended doses. While it can cause liver toxicity in overdose, the scenario indicates appropriate use, making it an unlikely contributor to the toddler’s presentation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Insert a rectal suppository: While a suppository can relieve constipation, abdominal distention after laparoscopic surgery is often caused by retained gas from insufflation rather than stool, so this intervention may not be effective.
B. Assist the client to ambulate: Early ambulation promotes peristalsis and helps the body expel retained carbon dioxide gas from the abdomen, which is a common cause of post-laparoscopic distention. This is a safe and effective first-line intervention.
C. Prepare the client for a paracentesis: Paracentesis is used to remove fluid in cases of ascites, not routine post-surgical gas-related distention. It is unnecessary for uncomplicated laparoscopic procedures.
D. Place the client in the prone position: While repositioning may offer some comfort, it does not significantly facilitate the expulsion of gas or reduce abdominal distention. Ambulation is more effective.
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