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
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Hip arthroplasty 1 week ago.
Alteplase is a drug that dissolves blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin. It can be used for acute ischemic stroke, but it has some contraindications that depend on the indication and the type of administration of the drug. Some common contraindications for alteplase are hypersensitivity, active internal bleeding, history of intracranial hemorrhage, bleeding disorders, and high blood pressure. Other contraindications may vary depending on the specific condition and the time window of treatment. Alteplase can cause serious or fatal bleeding as a side effect.
Choice A is wrong because family history of malignant hypertension is not an absolute contraindication for alteplase, although uncontrolled hypertension (>185 mmHg SBP or >110 mmHg DBP) is.
Choice C is wrong because chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not a contraindication for alteplase, although it may increase the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage.
Choice D is wrong because acute renal failure 6 months ago is not a contraindication for alteplase, although current use of direct thrombin inhibitors or direct factor Xa inhibitors is.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are <120/80 mmHg for normal, 120-129/<80 mmHg for elevated, 130-139/80-89 mmHg for stage 1 hypertension, and ≥140/≥90 mmHg for stage 2 hypertension.
Normal ranges for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
Normal ranges for INR are 0.8 to 1.2 for people who are not taking blood thinners and 2 to 3 for people who are taking warfarin.
Normal ranges for aPTT are 25 to 35 seconds for people who are not taking blood thinners and 46 to 70 seconds for people who are taking heparin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"You might experience altered taste sensations" is the correct statement. When providing teaching to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy for cancer, the nurse should include information about potential side effects and what to expect during the treatment. One common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on or near the head and neck region, is altered taste sensations. Radiation can affect the taste buds and lead to changes in how foods taste.
Choice B reason:
"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings. “The statement is incorrect. The ink markings made on the client's skin are used as reference points for the radiation therapy treatment. It is essential not to remove these markings, as they are crucial for accurate positioning during each treatment session. The nurse should instruct the client not to tamper with the markings, and the radiation therapy team will remove them when they are no longer needed.
Choice C reason:
"Wear a binder over the radiation site." The statement is incorrect. Wearing a binder over the radiation site is not a standard practice during external radiation therapy. The client should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by the radiation therapy team regarding clothing and positioning during treatments. The use of binders or other tight clothing over the treatment area may not be recommended, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with the delivery of radiation.
Choice D reason
"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment." Is incorrect statement. During radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area can become sensitive. It is essential for the client to follow the specific instructions provided by the radiation therapy team regarding skin care. Generally, the client should avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin vigorously. Instead, they should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap or as directed by their healthcare providers.
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