A nurse is caring for a client who is hemorrhaging and hypotensive from esophageal variceal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer vasopressin to the client.
Request blood from blood bank.
Verify that the client has adequate IV access.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
The Correct Answer is C
Verify that the client has adequate IV access.
Choice A rationale:
Administering vasopressin to the client might be necessary to manage the hemorrhage, but before any medication administration, it is crucial to ensure the client has adequate IV access. Vasopressin is a vasoconstrictor and can help control bleeding from esophageal varices, but its effectiveness relies on IV access to deliver the medication promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting blood from the blood bank is essential for a client experiencing significant bleeding. However, the priority action is to verify IV access to administer any necessary blood products.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. Before initiating any interventions, ensuring the client has appropriate IV access is a priority. Adequate IV access is necessary to administer fluids, medications, or blood products promptly and effectively stabilize the client's blood pressure.
Choice D rationale:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority action in this situation. While monitoring urine output is important, it should be secondary to addressing the client's hypotension and hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's ABG values show a pH of 7.48, PCO2 of 30 mm Hg, HCO3 of 24 mEq/L, and PaO2 of 85 mm Hg. The elevated pH and decreased PCO2 (respiratory component) suggest respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive ventilation, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and subsequent alkalosis.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an elevated PCO2 and decreased pH. In this case, the client's PCO2 is decreased, indicating respiratory alkalosis rather than respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated HCO3 (bicarbonate) level and an increased pH. The client's HCO3 level is within the normal range, making metabolic alkalosis an incorrect identification.
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased HCO3 level and a decreased pH. The client's HCO3 level is within the normal range, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the acid-base imbalance in this case.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to take deep breaths during the test is not appropriate for a thoracentesis. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the pleural space to drain fluid or air, and taking deep breaths could interfere with the accuracy and safety of the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client to a prone position prior to the test is also incorrect. During a thoracentesis, the client is usually seated upright or in a slightly forward-leaning position to allow better access to the pleural space and improve breathing.
Choice C rationale:
Informing the client that the new onset of a cough is expected following the test is not accurate. While a cough can be a possible side effect, it is not a common or expected outcome of a thoracentesis.
Choice D rationale:
Applying pressure to the client's puncture site after the test is complete is the correct action. This helps to prevent bleeding and reduce the risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) by promoting clot formation at the site of the needle insertion.
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