A patient is admitted to the hospital with SOB. The nurse notices increasing confusion and combativeness during the past hour. Which of the following actions is appropriate first?

Assess the patient; check to see if the oxygen is flowing correctly

Page the MD STAT

Put up the patient's side rails and apply soft restraints

Administer an IM sedative

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Assess the patient; check to see if the oxygen is flowing correctly:

This option involves assessing the patient's condition promptly, particularly focusing on the adequacy of oxygenation. Checking the oxygen delivery system ensures that the patient is receiving the prescribed oxygen therapy at the appropriate flow rate. In a patient with shortness of breath (SOB) and increasing confusion and combativeness, hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) could be a contributing factor. Therefore, assessing the oxygen delivery system is crucial to ensure proper oxygenation and address potential causes of the patient's symptoms.

B. Page the MD STAT:

Paging the MD STAT may be necessary after assessing the patient's condition, especially if the patient's symptoms indicate a medical emergency or require immediate intervention. However, in this scenario, the priority is to assess the patient's condition and address any immediate concerns related to oxygenation and respiratory status. While paging the healthcare provider may be necessary, it should not delay the initial assessment and interventions needed to stabilize the patient.

C. Put up the patient's side rails and apply soft restraints:

Applying side rails and soft restraints should not be the first action in response to the patient's symptoms. While patient safety is important, these measures should only be implemented after other interventions have been attempted, and there is a risk of harm to the patient or others due to agitation or combativeness. In this case, the patient's confusion and combativeness may be secondary to hypoxemia, so addressing oxygenation and assessing the patient's condition are the immediate priorities.

D. Administer an IM sedative:

Administering a sedative should not be the first action in this scenario. Sedation may be considered if the patient's agitation or combativeness poses a risk to their safety or interferes with assessment and treatment. However, the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, such as hypoxemia, should be addressed first. Administering a sedative without addressing the potential cause of the patient's symptoms could mask important clinical indicators and delay appropriate treatment.

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Correct Answer is ["B"]

Explanation

A. 24-year-old woman with allergic rhinitis:

Likely safe to take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant as allergic rhinitis is a common indication for decongestant use in young, healthy individuals.

B. 18-year-old man with cold symptoms:

Likely safe to take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant as it's a common indication for decongestant use in young, healthy individuals.

C. 64-year-old woman with a history of heart disease:

Should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants due to the risk of increasing blood pressure and potentially worsening heart conditions.

D. 70-year-old woman with glaucoma:

Should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants due to the risk of exacerbating glaucoma by causing pupil dilation and increasing intraocular pressure.

E. 56-year-old man with prostatic hypertrophy:

Should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants due to the risk of worsening urinary symptoms caused by prostatic hypertrophy, such as urinary retention.

A. Prepare the client for endotracheal suctioning. B. Elevate the head of the bed. C. Request a chest x-ray. D. Obtain a sputum culture.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Prepare the client for endotracheal suctioning.

Endotracheal suctioning is a procedure used to clear secretions from the airway, which may be necessary in cases of respiratory distress. However, it is not the first action to take in this scenario. Before proceeding with suctioning, the nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status and implement interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation.

B. Elevate the head of the bed.

This is the correct action to take first. Elevating the head of the bed helps improve the client's respiratory mechanics by allowing better lung expansion and reducing the work of breathing. It also helps alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. This intervention should be implemented immediately to optimize the client's breathing.

C. Request a chest x-ray.

While a chest x-ray may provide valuable information about the client's respiratory status, it is not the first action to take in this acute situation. Chest x-rays require time to be performed and interpreted, which may delay necessary interventions to address the client's immediate respiratory distress.

D. Obtain a sputum culture.

Obtaining a sputum culture may be indicated to identify the underlying cause of respiratory distress, such as infection. However, it is not the first action to take when the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress. The priority is to implement interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation to stabilize the client's condition.

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A patient is admitted to the hospital with SOB. The nurse notices increasing confusion and combativeness during the past hour. Which of the following actions is appropriate first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which patient(s) would be able to take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant safely? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Correct Answer is ["B"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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