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 D
Explanation
Explanation
D, Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
Hand hygiene is a critical practice in preventing the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Here's why the other options are incorrect:
Wearing sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids in (option A) is incorrect because it is important for preventing the transmission of pathogens, but it is not directly related to hand hygiene. Hand hygiene refers to the cleaning of hands to remove pathogens, and sterile gloves provide a barrier to protect the healthcare worker and the patient.
B. Using an alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled in (option B) is not recommended. Alcohol-based cleansers are effective in killing many types of germs, but they are not as effective in removing visible dirt, blood, or body fluids. In such cases, it is important to wash hands with soap and water to thoroughly clean them.
Artificial nails should not be worn when performing direct client care in (option C). They can harbor and transmit pathogens and make it more difficult to effectively clean hands. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthcare workers maintain short, clean, and natural nails without the use of artificial nails or nail extensions.
Correct Answer is ["C"]
Explanation
A. Create an opening on the skin barrier that is 1.27 cm (0.5 in) larger than the client's stoma.The opening on the skin barrier should be cut to fit closely around the stoma, approximately 0.3-0.6 cm (1/8 to 1/4 inch) larger than the stoma size. A larger opening (like 0.5 inches) could expose too much surrounding skin, increasing the risk of skin irritation from contact with the stoma's effluent.
B. Use a moisturizing soap to clean the skin around the client's stoma.Moisturizing soaps should be avoided because they can leave a residue on the skin, which may interfere with the adhesion of the ostomy appliance. The skin around the stoma should be cleaned with mild soap and water, or water alone, and then dried thoroughly before applying the new appliance.
C. Empty the client's ostomy pouch before removing the skin barrier.Emptying the ostomy pouch before removing the skin barrier is a practical step to reduce spillage of stool during the appliance change, making the process cleaner and easier to manage. It also minimizes the risk of contamination of the surrounding area or wound.
D. Change the client's ostomy appliance 1 hour after breakfast.Ostomy appliances are best changed when the bowel is least active, which is usually before a meal or several hours after eating. Changing the appliance shortly after a meal, such as 1 hour after breakfast, may result in more stoma output, making it harder to manage the appliance change.

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.