A nurse is planning care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Collecting data from a client who reports unilateral calf pain when ambulating.
Taking a telephone prescription for a client who is to be transferred from PACU.
Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury.
Reinforcing a client's dressing on an above-the-knee amputation surgical site.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should prioritize collecting data from a client who reports unilateral calf pain when ambulating. This symptom could indicate the presence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the lower extremities. If left untreated, the clot can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Immediate assessment is crucial to rule out DVT and provide appropriate interventions. The nurse should assess the client's calf for swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness and may also order diagnostic tests like a duplex ultrasound.
Choice B rationale:
Taking a telephone prescription for a client being transferred from the PACU is important but not the top priority in this situation. While timely transfer and adequate post-operative care are essential, addressing a client with unilateral calf pain and the potential for a DVT takes precedence due to the risk of a life-threatening complication.
Choice C rationale:
Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury is a compassionate action but should not be the first priority. The partner's emotional support can be provided once the immediate medical concerns have been addressed.
Choice D rationale:
Reinforcing a client's dressing on an above-the-knee amputation surgical site is important for the client's post-operative care, but it is not the highest priority when compared to the possibility of a DVT. The nurse should address the client's calf pain first and then attend to the dressing reinforcement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client who takes glyburide for type 2 diabetes mellitus is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Glyburide is an antidiabetic medication and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Choice B rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (normal potassium levels: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and hypomagnesemia (normal magnesium levels: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL). These imbalances increase the sensitivity to digoxin and the risk of toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias. Furosemide's impact on electrolytes makes it a significant risk factor for digoxin toxicity.
Choice C rationale: Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, can inhibit the metabolism of certain drugs by affecting liver enzymes. However, it does not significantly alter digoxin levels or increase the risk of toxicity. Normal liver enzyme levels include ALT (7 to 56 U/L) and AST (10 to 40 U/L). While cimetidine may interact with other medications, its effect on digoxin is minimal.
Choice D rationale:
A client who takes azelastine for allergic rhinitis is not at significant risk for developing digoxin toxicity. Azelastine is an antihistamine and does not interact directly with digoxin.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Captopril.
Choice A: Captopril Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. One of the common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a persistent, non-productive cough. This cough occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a potent peptide that can induce coughing.
Choice B: Metoprolol Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Common side effects include dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and unusual tiredness or weakness. However, it is not typically associated with a non-productive cough.
Choice C: Furosemide Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder. While it can cause side effects like diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite, a non-productive cough is not a typical side effect of Furosemide.
Choice D: Digoxin Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeat. Common side effects include dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and unusual tiredness or weakness. However, a non-productive cough is not a typical side effect of Digoxin.
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