A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a client who suddenly becomes confused and drowsy. Additional data includes pulse 100/min, respiratory rate 24/min, BP 132/76 mm Hg, and temperature 36.8° C (98.2° F). Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Hold the client's evening dose of digoxin.
Increase the client's fluid intake.
Complete a neurological check.
Administer the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication.
Administer the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Holding the client's evening dose of digoxin is not the priority at this time. The client's symptoms of confusion and drowsiness require immediate attention to determine the cause.
B. Increasing the client's fluid intake may be important for various reasons, but it is not the most urgent action in this situation. The client's altered mental status and vital signs need to be assessed first.
C. Completing a neurological check is the most appropriate action in this situation. The sudden onset of confusion and drowsiness may indicate a neurological issue that needs to be assessed promptly. This includes assessing the client's level of consciousness, pupillary response, motor function, and other neurological signs.
D. Administering the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication is not indicated based on the client's current presentation. The client's symptoms are more suggestive of a neurological issue rather than hypertension. It's important to address the altered mental status first.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diluting each medication with tap water is not a recommended practice. It's important to administer medications in their prescribed form to ensure the client receives the correct dose.
B. Pinching the tube prior to attaching the medication syringe helps prevent the medication from being immediately pulled into the suction equipment. This allows the medication to stay in the stomach for absorption.
C. Reattaching the suction directly after administering the medication would
immediately start suctioning again, which could pull the medication out of the stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed.
D. Mixing the three medications together is not recommended, as some medications may interact with each other, potentially leading to undesirable effects. Each medication should be administered separately to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Contacting the pharmacy might be a good step in some cases, but if the nurse has identified a dosage that is three times higher than usual, it's crucial to address this directly with the prescribing provider first.
B. Asking another nurse to verify is a reasonable step, but ultimately, it's the responsibility of the nurse who identifies the discrepancy to take action.
C. Informing the charge nurse and administering the dose without questioning the provider's order could potentially put the client at risk if the dosage is indeed too high.
D. Contacting the provider to question the dosage is the most appropriate immediate action. It's crucial to seek clarification from the provider regarding the unusually high dosage to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. This step ensures that the client receives the correct and safe medication dosage.
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