A nurse is caring for a client who has esophageal varices and is hypotensive after vomiting 500 mL of blood. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

Elevate the client’s feet.

Administer a unit of packed RBCs.

Initiate a dopamine IV infusion for the client.

Increase the client’s IV ﬂuid rate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice a) is incorrect because elevating the client’s feet is not the priority action for a hypotensive client. Elevating the client’s feet may help increase the venous return to the heart, but it may also compromise the respiratory status of a client who has esophageal varices and is at risk of aspiration.

Choice b) is incorrect because administering a unit of packed RBCs is not the priority action for a hypotensive client. Administering a unit of packed RBCs may help increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, but it may also increase the blood viscosity and pressure, which can worsen the bleeding from the esophageal varices.

Choice c) is incorrect because initiating a dopamine IV infusion for the client is not the priority action for a hypotensive client. Initiating a dopamine IV infusion may help increase the blood pressure and cardiac output, but it may also cause vasoconstriction and tachycardia, which can increase the risk of hemorrhage and arrhythmias.

Choice d) is correct because increasing the client’s IV ﬂuid rate is the priority action for a hypotensive client. Increasing the client’s IV ﬂuid rate may help restore the intravascular volume and perfusion, which can prevent shock and organ damage. Increasing the client’s IV ﬂuid rate may also dilute the blood and reduce its viscosity and pressure, which can decrease the bleeding from the esophageal varices.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because shortening of P-wave duration is not a sign of hyperkalemia or its reversal.

P-wave duration reﬂects the time it takes for the atria to depolarize and contract.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because restoration of QRS complex amplitude is not a sign of hyperkalemia or its reversal. QRS complex amplitude reﬂects the voltage or strength of the ventricular depolarization and contraction.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because the reduction of T-wave amplitude is a sign of hyperkalemia reversal. T-wave amplitude reﬂects the repolarization or recovery of the ventricles after contraction. Polystyrene sulfonate is a medication that lowers the serum potassium level by binding to it in the gastrointestinal tract and excreting it in the stool. High serum potassium level, or hyperkalemia, can cause cardiac arrhythmias and ECG changes, such as peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, ﬂatened P waves, widened QRS complex, and ventricular fibrillation. By lowering the serum potassium level, polystyrene sulfonate can reverse these ECG changes and normalize the cardiac rhythm.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the widening of the QRS complex is a sign of hyperkalemia, not its reversal. Widening of the QRS complex reﬂects the delay or impairment of ventricular depolarization and contraction.

A. Remove both of the elastic bandages from the leg. B. Discharge the client. C. Obtain a prescription for the appropriate anti-venom. D. Obtain a prescription for pain medication.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A: Removing the elastic bandages is not recommended. These bandages help slow the spread of venom by compressing the lymphatic vessels. Removing them could worsen the envenomation.

Choice B: This is incorrect. The nurse should not discharge the client, as they may develop serious complications from the snake bite, such as swelling, bleeding, infection, or shock. The client should be monitored closely and treated accordingly.

Choice C: This is the correct action. Antivenom treatment is crucial for serious snake envenomation. The sooner it can be administered, the better the outcome.

Choice D: While pain management is important, it is not the priority in this situation. Antivenom takes precedence over pain medication.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has esophageal varices and is hypotensive after vomiting 500 mL of blood. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. The provider prescribes polystyrene sulfonate. If this medication is eﬀective, the nurse should expect which of the following changes on the client’s ECG?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who was biten on the left leg by a poisonous snake. The client has placed elastic bandages snugly above and below the bite marks and is in no apparent distress. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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