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
Heat stroke is a serious condition caused by overheating of the body, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. It can damage the brain and other internal organs, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
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 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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps to slow down the breathing rate and keep the airways open longer. This improves gas exchange and reduces the work of breathing. Pursed-lip breathing also helps to prevent air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which are common complications of COPD.
Choice B is wrong because laying down for 1 hour after meals can increase the pressure on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult. It can also increase the risk of aspiration and reflux.
Choice C is wrong because restricting the client’s fluid intake to less than 1 L/day can lead to dehydration and thickening of secretions, which can obstruct the airways and impair gas exchange. Fluid intake should be adequate to maintain hydration and thin secretions.
Choice D is wrong because using the upper chest for respiration is a sign of inefficient breathing and respiratory distress.
It can increase the oxygen demand and cause fatigue. The client should be encouraged to use the diaphragm and abdominal muscles for respiration, which are more efficient and reduce the work of breathing.
Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100%, for arterial blood gas pH are 7.35 to 7.45, for PaCO2 are 35 to 45 mmHg, for PaO2 are 80 to 100 mmHg, and for HCO3 are 22 to 26 mEq/L.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.