A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anxiety. When using clinical decision making, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Measure the client's manifestations using an anxiety rating scale.
Initiate a referral to a local support group.
Assist in finding alternative ways to cope.
Administer an antianxiety medication.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Measure the client's manifestations using an anxiety rating scale: This action is essential as the first step because it allows the nurse to accurately assess the severity of the client's anxiety. Understanding the level of anxiety helps in planning appropriate interventions and monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment provided. Accurate assessment is foundational in clinical decision making.
B) Initiate a referral to a local support group: While beneficial, referring the client to a support group should follow an initial assessment. Support groups can offer long-term benefits, but immediate needs and severity must be evaluated first.
C) Assist in finding alternative ways to cope: Helping the client develop coping strategies is an important intervention. However, before suggesting specific coping mechanisms, the nurse needs to understand the current level of anxiety and how it affects the client. This ensures that the coping strategies are appropriately tailored.
D) Administer an antianxiety medication: Administering medication can be crucial in managing severe anxiety, but this step should come after a thorough assessment. The nurse needs to determine if medication is necessary and what dosage might be appropriate, based on the anxiety rating scale and other assessment findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Cimetidine: Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is not used to manage metabolic acidosis.
B) Calcitonin: Calcitonin is used to regulate calcium levels and treat conditions like osteoporosis or hypercalcemia. It does not address metabolic acidosis and is not appropriate for this condition.
C) Sodium bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used to treat metabolic acidosis. It works by neutralizing excess acid in the blood, thereby increasing the blood's pH and helping to correct the acid-base imbalance associated with metabolic acidosis.
D) Sodium chloride: Sodium chloride is a salt that can be used to manage fluid and electrolyte imbalances but does not correct metabolic acidosis. It is not suitable for treating the acid-base imbalance seen in metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer a dose of subcutaneous epinephrine.: The swelling of the lips and tongue is indicative of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction to captopril. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions or angioedema to quickly counteract the swelling and prevent airway obstruction.
B. Advise the client not to consume grapefruit products.: Grapefruit can interact with some medications, but it is not related to the management of angioedema. This action would be more relevant for drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, not specifically for angioedema.
C. Place warm compresses on both sides of the client's face.: Warm compresses are not appropriate for angioedema and may not address the underlying issue. This action does not manage the immediate, potentially life-threatening reaction caused by captopril.
D. Swab the client's oral mucosa with nystatin suspension.: Nystatin is used for fungal infections of the oral mucosa, not for angioedema. This action does not address the adverse reaction related to captopril.
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