A nurse is cheering on participants in a marathon and one runner collapses nearby. He begins to vomit and complain of a throbbing headache. The nurse notes that he is not sweating, yet his skin is red and very hot to touch, and his pulse is 170 bpm and strong. The nurse knows that:
The runner may lose consciousness due to heat stroke.
It is not necessary to call 911.
It is normal to vomit and not sweat during a marathon.
Getting the patient to a cooler, air-conditioned place will reverse the heat exhaustion.
The Correct Answer is A
Some of the symptoms of heat stroke are:
• High body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher
• Altered mental state or behavior, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech, seizures or coma
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Throbbing headach
• Nausea and vomiting
Choice B is wrong because it is necessary to call 911 if someone has heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and cooling of the body.
Choice C is wrong because it is not normal to vomit and not sweat during a marathon. Vomiting and lack of sweating are signs of dehydration and heat stroke, which indicate that the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly.
Choice D is wrong because getting the patient to a cooler, air-conditioned place will not reverse the heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can lead to heat stroke if not treated. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps. Getting the patient to a cooler place may help with heat exhaustion, but heat stroke requires more aggressive cooling measures such as immersing the patient in cold water or applying ice packs to the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The SBAR is used to organize and standardize communication between members of the health care team about a patient’s condition. It is an acronym for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation.
Choice B is wrong because the SBAR is not used to help Physical Therapy determine the client’s abilities.
Physical Therapy may use other tools or methods to assess the client’s functional status.
Choice C is wrong because the SBAR is not used to help physicians with diagnoses.
The SBAR is a communication tool, not a diagnostic tool.
Physicians may use other sources of information or tests to make diagnoses.
Choice D is wrong because the SBAR is not used to educate clients about their disease processes.
The SBAR is a tool for interprofessional communication, not for patient education.
Clients may receive education from other sources or materials.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because heat loss by conduction occurs when two objects with different temperatures come into direct contact with each other. The baby’s skin would lose heat to the cold scale by conduction if there was no warm blanket between them.
Choice A is wrong because closing doors and windows to prevent draft (current of air with motion) would prevent heat loss by convection, not conduction. Convection is the transfer of heat from a body to moving molecules such as air or liquid.
Choice B is wrong because keeping a hat on the baby’s head would prevent heat loss by radiation, not conduction. Radiation is the transfer of heat from a body to the surroundings by electromagnetic waves.
Choice C is wrong because thoroughly drying infant after a bath would prevent heat loss by evaporation, not conduction. Evaporation is the process of liquid changing into gas and carrying away heat from the body surface.
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