A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney failure. An assistive personnel reports that the client has a blood pressure of 190/110mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Report the blood pressure reading to the charge nurse.
Administer an antihypertensive medication.
Remeasure the client's blood pressure.
Instruct the client to remain in bed.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Report the blood pressure reading to the charge nurse: While notifying the charge nurse is important, the nurse should first validate the high reading by rechecking the blood pressure. Acting on a single, unverified reading could lead to unnecessary interventions or missed opportunities for accurate assessment.
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication: Administering antihypertensive medication based solely on a report without rechecking the blood pressure could be unsafe. Verification ensures that treatment is based on accurate clinical data and prevents unnecessary medication administration.
C. Remeasure the client's blood pressure: The first action should always be to recheck an unusually high or abnormal vital sign reading to confirm its accuracy. Errors can occur during measurement, and accurate confirmation is critical before proceeding with further interventions in a client with chronic kidney failure.
D. Instruct the client to remain in bed: While keeping the client in bed can help prevent complications if severe hypertension is confirmed, it is not the priority action. Verifying the blood pressure reading must occur first to determine the appropriate course of action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Apply the gown before the gloves: The gown must be applied before donning gloves to ensure that the gown fully covers the arms and torso, providing a protective barrier against contamination. Gloves are then pulled over the gown cuffs to maintain a proper seal and reduce the risk of pathogen exposure, especially with infections like Clostridium difficile.
B. The gown with the gloves on: Wearing the gown after gloves compromises the sterile barrier, allowing pathogens to contact the skin or clothing. This technique increases the risk of contamination because the gloves may not completely cover or seal the gown’s cuffs properly, which is critical in preventing the spread of infection.
C. Tuck the glove cuffs under the gown sleeves: Gloves should not be tucked under gown sleeves. Instead, gloves should cover the gown cuffs, creating a continuous protective layer. Tucking gloves under the gown can leave the wrists exposed and vulnerable to contamination, particularly when caring for clients with highly transmissible infections.
D. Push the gown sleeves up to the elbows: Pushing the sleeves up to the elbows defeats the protective purpose of the gown. It exposes the forearms to potential pathogens and bodily fluids, increasing the risk of infection transmission to both the nurse and other clients, especially when dealing with spore-forming bacteria like Clostridium difficile.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Place the client on bedrest: While limiting the client’s activity is important to reduce oxygen demand, it is not the first priority. Immediate actions should focus on improving oxygenation and reducing respiratory distress.
B. Obtain the client's ABG levels: Although obtaining arterial blood gases provides valuable information about oxygenation and acid-base balance, it does not address the immediate need to relieve the client's breathing difficulty and hypoxia.
C. Elevate the head of the client's bed: Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, making it the first action to reduce dyspnea and ease the client’s breathing. It is a simple, quick intervention that can stabilize the client while further assessments are conducted.
D. Prepare the client for a ventilation-perfusion scan: A V/Q scan may be indicated to diagnose conditions like pulmonary embolism, but it is a diagnostic step that follows stabilization. Immediate efforts must first focus on ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory support.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.