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 D
Explanation
Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia that can cause muscle rigidity, fever, and a fast heart rate. It can be fatal if not treated promptly with medication, oxygen, body cooling, and supportive care. The patient’s symptoms match those of malignant hyperthermia.
Choice A is wrong because alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and jaundice.
It does not cause a rise in body temperature or muscle rigidity. Choice B is wrong because malignant hypothermia does not exist. It is a misspelling of malignant hyperthermia.
Choice C is wrong because thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, causing anemia, fatigue, and bone deformities.
It does not cause a rise in body temperature or muscle rigidity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
damage the blood vessels and affect blood flow, increasing the risk of gangrene. Choice B. Stasis is wrong because it refers to a condition where blood pools in the veins of the legs, causing swelling and skin changes. It does not cause gangrene by itself.
Choice C. Venous insufficiency is wrong because it refers to a condition where the veins in the legs have problems sending blood back to the heart, causing swelling and skin ulcers. It does not cause gangrene by itself.
Choice D. Varicose veins are wrong because they are enlarged veins that may cause pain or discomfort, but do not cause gangrene by themselves.
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