A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

Remove blankets and offer fluids

Increase the patient's activity

Place ice bags on the patient's skin

Decrease the patient's intake

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: When a patient has an elevated temperature, the body is attempting to cool down through vasodilation, which is why the skin may appear flushed and feel warm. Removing excess blankets can help facilitate the body's natural cooling process. Offering fluids is also crucial as fever can lead to dehydration, especially if there is sweating. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature and replaces fluids lost through sweating. The normal body temperature range is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). When the body temperature rises above this range, interventions such as removing blankets and providing fluids can be effective in reducing fever.

Choice B reason: Increasing the patient's activity is not advisable when they have an elevated temperature and are experiencing severe fatigue. Activity generates heat and can raise body temperature further, exacerbating the fever. Rest is recommended to conserve energy and reduce metabolic demand, which can help lower the body temperature.

Choice C reason: The use of ice bags can be a rapid cooling measure but must be used with caution. Direct application of ice to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which can actually increase the body's core temperature. It is generally reserved for hyperthermia or heatstroke when immediate cooling is necessary. For a simple fever, less aggressive cooling measures are usually preferred.

Choice D reason: Decreasing the patient's intake is not appropriate unless there is a specific contraindication, such as vomiting or risk of aspiration. Adequate nutrition supports the immune system and provides the energy needed for the body to combat the underlying cause of the fever.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Decreased energy is a common symptom of OSA due to disrupted sleep patterns and the body's struggle to maintain adequate oxygen levels during apneic episodes. This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Choice B reason: While thyroid disease can be associated with sleep disorders, it is not a direct finding of OSA. However, hypothyroidism can contribute to the development of OSA due to myxedematous changes leading to airway obstruction.

Choice C reason: Pneumonia is not a direct finding of OSA. However, individuals with OSA may be at increased risk for respiratory infections due to repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, which can lead to aspiration.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is generally not associated with OSA. In fact, OSA is more commonly linked with hypertension due to the sympathetic nervous system activation that occurs with each apneic episode.

A. Exercise three times a week in the mornings. B. Go to bed at the same time every evening. C. Have two glasses of wine every night before bedtime. D. Get out of bed when unable to sleep.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Regular morning exercise can actually promote better sleep. It helps to regulate the body's clock and can lead to deeper, more restful sleep. However, exercising too close to bedtime may have the opposite effect.

Choice B reason: Going to bed at the same time every evening can help establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle, which is beneficial for people who have insomnia. This regularity can make it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Choice C reason: Alcohol consumption before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. While it may initially help someone fall asleep, it often leads to poorer quality of sleep and can cause awakenings throughout the night.

Choice D reason: If unable to sleep, getting out of bed can be a good strategy. It's part of stimulus control therapy for insomnia, which advises leaving the bed if you can't sleep, so you don't associate the bed with wakefulness

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A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

For the client with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the nurse should expect the following findings:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has insomnia. The nurse should identify that which of the following is likely to disrupt sleep?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

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