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 C
Explanation
Administering the unit of packed RBCs over 1 hour is not appropriate. Packed RBCs are usually administered over a longer period of time (typically 2 to 4 hours), as rapid infusion can lead to adverse reactions. The rate of administration should be based on institutional policy.
Choice B Reason:
Initiating venous access with a 21-gauge needle is not appropriate-. The needle size for venous access can vary based on the client's condition and the size of their veins. However, a larger gauge needle (e.g., 18-gauge or 20-gauge) is typically used for blood transfusions to ensure adequate flow.
Choice C Reason:
Blood products should be infused through administration sets designed specifcally for blood; use a Y-tubing or straight-tubing blood administration set that contains a filter designed to trap fibrin clots and other debris that accumulate during blood storage.
Choice D Reason:
The nurse should measure vital signs and assess lung sounds before the transfusion and again after the first 15 minutes and every 30 minutes to 1 hour (per agency policy) until 1 hour after the transfusion is completed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Disequilibrium with movement is correct. The vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) is responsible for both hearing (cochlear component) and balance (vestibular component). Impaired function of this nerve can result in problems with equilibrium and balance, leading to symptoms such as disequilibrium or vertigo (a sensation of spinning or whirling), especially with movement.
Choice B Reason:
Deviation of the tongue from midline is incorrect. This is related to cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve) and its role in tongue movement and control.
Choice C Reason:
Loss of peripheral vision is incorrect. This is related to cranial nerve II (optic nerve) and its role in vision.
Choice D Reason:
Inability to smell is incorrect. This is related to cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve) and its role in the sense of smell.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today