A nurse is caring for a client who has gastrointestinal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Test the client's emesis for blood.
Assess orthostatic blood pressure.
Explain the procedure for an upper gastrointestinal series.
Administer pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Testing the client's emesis for blood is an important assessment, but assessing orthostatic blood pressure is a priority. Orthostatic blood pressure measurement helps identify if the client is experiencing significant blood loss, as changes in blood pressure upon standing may indicate hypovolemia.
B. Assessing orthostatic blood pressure is the priority action. Orthostatic hypotension can be a sign of decreased circulating blood volume, which is a concern in clients with gastrointestinal bleeding.
C. Explaining the procedure for an upper gastrointestinal series is not the first priority. While diagnostic tests may be needed, addressing the immediate concern of potential hypovolemia takes precedence.
D. Administering pain medication is not the first action. The priority is to assess and address the potential complications of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as hypovolemia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Testing the client's emesis for blood is an important assessment, but assessing orthostatic blood pressure is a priority. Orthostatic blood pressure measurement helps identify if the client is experiencing significant blood loss, as changes in blood pressure upon standing may indicate hypovolemia.
B. Assessing orthostatic blood pressure is the priority action. Orthostatic hypotension can be a sign of decreased circulating blood volume, which is a concern in clients with gastrointestinal bleeding.
C. Explaining the procedure for an upper gastrointestinal series is not the first priority. While diagnostic tests may be needed, addressing the immediate concern of potential hypovolemia takes precedence.
D. Administering pain medication is not the first action. The priority is to assess and address the potential complications of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as hypovolemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Eat four small meals each day":
Smaller, more frequent meals reduce gastric distension and lower gastric pressure, which decreases reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Large meals increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen GERD symptoms.
B. "Sleep on your left side":
Sleeping on the left side may reduce symptoms of GERD for some individuals. This position can keep the stomach below the esophagus, minimizing reflux. However, individual preferences and comfort should be considered.
C. "Wait to go to bed for 1 hour after eating":
This instruction helps reduce the risk of reflux while lying down. Waiting after eating allows gravity to aid in digestion and reduces the likelihood of stomach contents backing up into the esophagus during sleep.
D. "Drink milk to soothe your stomach":
While milk might provide temporary relief for some people by neutralizing stomach acid, it can stimulate acid production, potentially exacerbating GERD symptoms in the long run. Therefore, it's not a recommended solution for managing GERD.
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