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
Choice A Reason:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - While COPD might influence the choice of anaesthesia and perioperative management, it is not a direct contraindication to heparin.
Choice B Reason:
Thalassemia - Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects haemoglobin production and the structure of red blood cells. It does not directly impact the ability to receive heparin.
Choice C Reason:
Thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count, is a contraindication to receiving heparin, an anticoagulant. Heparin works by preventing the formation of blood clots, but if a person has a low platelet count, their ability to form blood clots is already compromised. Administering heparin in this situation could increase the risk of bleeding and further reduce platelet count.
Choice D Reason:
Rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition affecting joints. It is not a contraindication to heparin use, but the client's overall health and medications should be considered when planning surgery and anticoagulant therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
WBC count 8,400/mm3 is not appropriate. This white blood cell count is within the normal range and is not a cause for concern.
Choice B reason:
Serosanguineous exudate noted on dressing change is not appropriate. Serosanguineous drainage is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing and is expected after surgery.
Choice C reason:
Reports pain of 4 on a scale from 0 to 10 when coughing is not appropriate. A pain level of 4 out of 10 with coughing is a common and expected finding following an appendectomy. It's important for the nurse to assess and manage pain, but this is not an urgent concern.
Choice D reason:
Haemoglobin 10 mg/dL is appropriate. Haemoglobin level of 10 mg/dL indicates a low level of haemoglobin, which might suggest anaemia or blood loss. Reporting this finding to the provider is important as it could indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention.
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