A nurse on a medical unit is planning care for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?
A client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an oxygen saturation of 89%
A client who has multiple sclerosis and reports ataxia and vertigo
A client who has left-sided paralysis and slurred speech from a prior stroke
A client who has thrombocytopenia and reports a nosebleed
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
A client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an oxygen saturation of 89% is correct. The nurse should attend to the client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an oxygen saturation of 89% first. Oxygen saturation levels below 90% indicate significant hypoxemia and potential respiratory distress. The client with COPD is at risk for further worsening of their condition due to inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, addressing this client's low oxygen saturation is a priority to ensure their respiratory status is stabilized.
Choice B Reason:
A client who has multiple sclerosis and reports ataxia and vertigo is incorrect. While these symptoms need assessment and care, they are not indicative of an immediate life-threatening situation.
Choice C Reason:
A client who has left-sided paralysis and slurred speech from a prior stroke is incorrect., While this client requires ongoing care, the immediate concern is lower in priority compared to addressing severe hypoxemia.
Choice D Reason:
A client who has thrombocytopenia and reports a nosebleed is incorrect. Although a nosebleed can be concerning due to thrombocytopenia, it is not as immediately critical as addressing severe hypoxemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Describe your daily medication schedule” is not the correct statement. Understanding the medication schedule is important for adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
Choice B Reason:
"Tell me why it's important to have your CD4+ count checked." Is the correct statement, the priority information for the nurse to review with the client is why it's important to have their CD4+ count checked regularly? The CD4+ count is a crucial marker of immune system health and function in individuals with HIV. Monitoring CD4+ counts help guides treatment decisions, assess the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy, and evaluate the progression of the disease. Understanding the significance of CD4+ counts is essential for the client's overall management of HIV.
Choice C Reason:
"List some ways you can cope with the stress of your illness" is not the correct statement - Coping strategies are important for the client's emotional well-being and overall health.
Choice D Reason:
"Name a few things you will change about your diet" is not the correct statement. Nutrition is important for overall health, including maintaining a strong immune system, but it may not be the most immediate priority compared to understanding the importance of CD4+ counts.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Gently massage the area around the client's incision is not recommendable. Massage may not be suitable for a recently operated area and could potentially worsen pain and disrupt the healing process.
Choice B Reason:
Apply an ice pack to the client's knee is recommendable. Applying an ice pack to the client's knee can help reduce pain and inflammation following a total knee arthroplasty. Ice can help numb the area and reduce swelling, providing relief to the client's discomfort. It's important to use a barrier, such as a cloth or towel, between the ice pack and the skin to prevent frostbite.
Choice C Reason:
Perform range-of-motion exercises to the client's knee is not recommendable. Range-of-motion exercises may be beneficial for recovery, but they might not be appropriate at this pain level. Pain should be managed before engaging in such activities.
Choice D Reason:
Place pillows under the client's knee is recommendable. Elevating the knee might help with comfort, but addressing the pain directly should be the priority.
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