A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has hyperthermia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cover the adolescent with a thermal blanket.
Submerge the adolescent’s feet in ice water.
Initiate seizure precautions.
Administer oral acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is C
Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications. Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.
Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.
Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.
Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.
Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
The nurse should include the following statements in the teaching:
- You should eat foods that are low in fat. A low-fat diet can help reduce the amount of digestive enzymes your pancreas releases and prevent further inflammation and pain.
- Notify your provider if you experience vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which can worsen your condition and require hospitalization.
- You should eat foods high in protein. Protein can help your body heal and repair damaged tissues. It can also prevent muscle wasting and weight loss, which are common complications of chronic pancreatitis.
Choice A is wrong because caffeine can stimulate the pancreas and increase pain and inflammation. Choice D is wrong because alcohol can damage the pancreas and trigger more attacks. People with chronic pancreatitis should avoid alcohol completely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because bleeding after a cardiac catheterization is a possible complication that can occur when a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm to examine the heart. Bleeding can drip or spurt from the puncture site, or form a lump under the skin called a hematoma. Applying continuous pressure above the site can help stop the bleeding and prevent hematoma formation.
Choice A is wrong because applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) above the percutaneous skin site may not be enough to control the bleeding and may increase the risk of hematoma.
Choice B is wrong because applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) below the percutaneous skin site may not be effective and may cause more damage to the artery.
Choice C is wrong because applying continuous pressure 2.5 cm (1 in) below the percutaneous skin site may also be ineffective and harmful to the artery.
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