A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops chest pain and dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first
Place the client on bedrest.
Obtain the client's ABG levels.
Elevate the head of the client's bed.
Prepare the client for a ventilation-perfusion scan
The Correct Answer is C
A. Place the client on bedrest: While limiting the client’s activity is important to reduce oxygen demand, it is not the first priority. Immediate actions should focus on improving oxygenation and reducing respiratory distress.
B. Obtain the client's ABG levels: Although obtaining arterial blood gases provides valuable information about oxygenation and acid-base balance, it does not address the immediate need to relieve the client's breathing difficulty and hypoxia.
C. Elevate the head of the client's bed: Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, making it the first action to reduce dyspnea and ease the client’s breathing. It is a simple, quick intervention that can stabilize the client while further assessments are conducted.
D. Prepare the client for a ventilation-perfusion scan: A V/Q scan may be indicated to diagnose conditions like pulmonary embolism, but it is a diagnostic step that follows stabilization. Immediate efforts must first focus on ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client who is receiving an enteral tube feeding and has a blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): A mildly elevated blood glucose level is not immediately life-threatening and can be managed after addressing more urgent issues. This client is stable at the moment.
B. A client who has a spinal cord injury and needs a dressing change: While important for preventing infection, a scheduled dressing change is not an immediate threat to the client’s life or health and can be safely performed after more urgent concerns are addressed.
C. A client who has a temperature of 38.4° C (101.1° F) and appears confused: Fever and new-onset confusion suggest a possible infection, such as sepsis or urinary tract infection, especially in older adults. This situation indicates a potential life-threatening condition and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. A client who had a hip arthroplasty and is requesting pain medication: Managing pain is important, but it is not immediately life-threatening. After addressing the client with fever and confusion, attending to the client's pain needs would be appropriate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The infant was born large for gestational age: Being large for gestational age is not recognized as a risk factor for child maltreatment. Risk factors are more often related to family dynamics, age, and social stressors rather than birth weight alone.
B. The infant has otitis media: Otitis media, or a middle ear infection, is a common pediatric illness and is not itself a risk factor for maltreatment. It reflects normal childhood health issues rather than abuse or neglect.
C. The infant is younger than 1 year of age: Infants under 1 year are particularly vulnerable to maltreatment because of their total dependence on caregivers and inability to communicate effectively. This age group is at the highest risk for serious injury from abuse.
D. The infant's guardians are both over the age of 30: Parental age over 30 does not inherently increase the risk for child maltreatment. Other factors like substance abuse, history of being abused, and high stress levels are more closely linked to maltreatment risk.
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