A nurse is caring for a client who is cyanotic and has a respiratory rate of 8/min with shallow respirations. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?
Establish a patent airway for the client
Administer oxygen to the client
Place a pulse oximeter on the client's finger
Check the client's pulse rate
The Correct Answer is A
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with shallow respirations and cyanosis indicates significant respiratory distress and inadequate oxygenation. The client's airway needs to be assessed and cleared to ensure a proper flow of air into the lungs. This can involve positioning the client appropriately, providing manual or mechanical assistance with ventilation, or using other airway management techniques as necessary.
While administering oxygen to the client and placing a pulse oximeter on the client's finger are important interventions to improve oxygenation and monitor oxygen saturation, they should not delay the immediate priority of establishing a patent airway.
Checking the client's pulse rate is also important and should be done in a timely manner, but it should not take precedence over ensuring a clear and open airway for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- "Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable": This statement is correct. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is an individual designated by the client to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is important for the client to choose someone they trust and who understands their values and wishes.
- "You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate": This statement is not necessarily true. While involving an attorney can be helpful, it is not always required to appoint a health care surrogate. In many jurisdictions, a legally valid health care surrogate designation can be made through a simple document or form provided by the hospital or a local government office. It is important to check the specific legal requirements in the client's jurisdiction.
- "You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate": This statement is a subjective recommendation and may not be applicable to all individuals. The decision of whom to appoint as a health care surrogate should be based on the client's personal preferences and the individual's ability to make informed decisions according to the client's wishes. While a family member is often chosen, it is not a requirement, and the client may choose a close friend, partner, or anyone else they trust to fulfill this role.
- "Once you have completed a living will, it cannot be changed": This statement is incorrect. A living will, which is a type of advanced directive, can be changed or revoked at any time by the client as long as they are competent to do so. It is important for the client to review and update their living will periodically to ensure that it reflects their current wishes regarding medical care and treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lowering the side rails of the bed could lead to the client falling from the bed. Instead raise the side rails and place padding on them.
Measuring the seizure duration is a crucial step for medical evaluation afterwards necessary for determining intervention.
Inserting an oral airway into the client's mouth is not indicated during a tonic-clonic seizure. It is generally not recommended to place any objects or devices into the mouth of a person having a seizure, as it can potentially cause injury to the person or damage to the airway.

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