A nurse on a medical surgical unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A client who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hr
A client whose blood pressure is 160/90 mm Hg and reports a headache
A client who is postoperative and reports intermittent nausea
A client who is postoperative and has a Jackson Pratt drain
The Correct Answer is B
A. Incorrect. While a client scheduled for surgery is important, addressing the client with elevated blood pressure and a headache takes priority.
B. Correct. The client with elevated blood pressure and a headache requires immediate assessment, as these symptoms could indicate a hypertensive crisis or other serious complications.
C. Incorrect. While addressing postoperative nausea is important, the client with elevated blood pressure and headache requires more immediate attention.
D. Incorrect. A client with a Jackson Pratt drain may need care and assessment, but a client with elevated blood pressure and a headache has a more urgent need for evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client's symptoms of feeling dizzy, having a racing heart, and becoming pale while lying on their back may indicate supine hypotensive syndrome. This condition can occur during pregnancy when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing blood flow to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure.
Positioning the client on their left side helps relieve the pressure on the inferior vena cava and improves blood flow. This position allows for optimal circulation and helps alleviate the symptoms associated with supine hypotensive syndrome.
Checking the client's temperature is not necessary in this situation as the symptoms described are not typically associated with a fever. The priority is addressing the client's symptoms related to supine hypotensive syndrome.
Instructing the client to take a brisk walk is not recommended as it may exacerbate their symptoms. Walking increases physical exertion and could further decrease blood flow to the heart.
Providing the client with a glass of orange juice may be helpful if the symptoms were related to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, in this case, the symptoms are more consistent with supine hypotensive syndrome. The priority is to reposition the client to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms. If the client continues to experience symptoms or if there are concerns about low blood sugar, further assessment and appropriate interventions should be implemented.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. While a client scheduled for surgery is important, addressing the client with elevated blood pressure and a headache takes priority.
B. Correct. The client with elevated blood pressure and a headache requires immediate assessment, as these symptoms could indicate a hypertensive crisis or other serious complications.
C. Incorrect. While addressing postoperative nausea is important, the client with elevated blood pressure and headache requires more immediate attention.
D. Incorrect. A client with a Jackson Pratt drain may need care and assessment, but a client with elevated blood pressure and a headache has a more urgent need for evaluation.
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