A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer a dose of atomoxetine to decrease anxiety.
Encourage the client to watch television.
Teach the client how to meditate.
Sit with the client to provide a sense of security.
The Correct Answer is D
A client who is experiencing a panic attack has a very high level of anxiety and a diminished ability to focus. The nurse should stay with the client and remain calm and reassuring during the panic attack. This can help the client feel safe and supported, and reduce the intensity of the anxiety.
Choice A is wrong because atomoxetine is not an anti-anxiety medication, but a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has no effect on reducing anxiety and can cause side effects such as insomnia, nausea, and increased blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because encouraging the client to watch television is not a therapeutic intervention for a panic attack.
Watching television can increase the stimuli in the client’s environment, which can worsen anxiety.
The nurse should maintain an environment with low stimulation for the client experiencing a panic attack. Dim lighting, few people, and minimal distractions can assist the nurse to decrease the client’s level of anxiety.
Choice C is wrong because teaching the client how to meditate is not appropriate during a panic attack.
Meditation is a relaxation technique that can be helpful for preventing or reducing anxiety, but it requires concentration and focus, which are impaired in a panic attack. The nurse should teach the client how to meditate when the client is calm and receptive, not when the client is in crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because varicella, or chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella- zoster virus (VZV), which can spread through the air or by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. A negative air pressure room prevents the air from the room from circulating to other areas of the hospital, reducing the risk of transmission to other patients and staff.
Choice A is wrong because aspirin should not be given to children with chickenpox, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome, which affects the brain and liver. Instead, acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever.
Choice B is wrong because droplet precautions are not enough to prevent the spread of chickenpox. Droplet precautions involve wearing a mask and gloves when in close contact with the patient, but they do not prevent the virus from traveling through the air. Airborne precautions, which include a negative air pressure room and wearing a respirator, are needed for chickenpox.
Choice D is wrong because Koplik spots are not a sign of chickenpox, but of measles, another viral infection that causes a rash. Chickenpox causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters that crust over.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Valsartan is a medication that lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. By dilating the blood vessels, valsartan reduces the pressure in the arteries and improves blood flow to the organs. However, if the dose of valsartan is too high, it can cause excessive lowering of blood pressure, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, or nausea. This is especially likely when the client changes position from lying or sitting to standing, which is called orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure and pulse in different positions and report any significant changes to the provider. The nurse should also instruct the client to rise slowly from a lying or sitting position and to avoid driving or operating machinery until the effects of the medication wear off.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring the client’s urine output is not a priority action for a client who received an overdose of valsartan.
Valsartan does not have a direct effect on urine output, although it may affect kidney function in some cases. The nurse should monitor the client’s serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels to assess kidney function, but this is not as urgent as evaluating the client for orthostatic hypotension.
Choice B is wrong because checking the client for nasal congestion is not a priority action for a client who received an overdose of valsartan.
Nasal congestion is not a common or serious side effect of valsartan. It is more likely to occur with other types of blood pressure medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or beta blockers.
Choice D is wrong because obtaining the client’s laboratory results is not a priority action for a client who received an overdose of valsartan.
Laboratory results may provide useful information about the client’s electrolyte levels, kidney function, liver function, or blood counts, but they are not as important as assessing the client’s vital signs and symptoms of hypotension. The nurse should obtain the laboratory results after stabilizing the client’s blood pressure and ensuring adequate perfusion to the organs.
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