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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place tissue soiled with respiratory secretions in a paper bag for later disposal:
This instruction is not accurate or recommended for managing tissue soiled with respiratory secretions, particularly in the context of tuberculosis (TB) infection. TB is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets, so proper disposal of contaminated materials is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection. Instead of placing tissue in a paper bag, it should be disposed of in a sealed plastic bag to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, individuals with TB should be instructed on proper respiratory hygiene practices, such as covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of infectious droplets.
B. Provide samples for sputum cultures every 6 weeks:
Sputum cultures are an essential component of monitoring and managing tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, obtaining samples every 6 weeks is not frequent enough, especially during the initial phase of treatment. In the early stages of TB treatment, sputum cultures are typically obtained more frequently, often weekly or biweekly, to monitor the response to treatment, assess for drug resistance, and ensure treatment effectiveness. As treatment progresses and the patient's condition stabilizes, the frequency of sputum cultures may be adjusted based on clinical judgment and guidelines.
C. Consume alcohol in moderation while taking antituberculosis medications:
Alcohol consumption is generally discouraged while taking antituberculosis medications. Some antituberculosis drugs, such as isoniazid and rifampin, can interact with alcohol and cause adverse effects, such as liver toxicity or drug metabolism issues. Therefore, individuals undergoing treatment for tuberculosis should be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption or limit it to a minimum to avoid potential complications. Providing instructions on alcohol consumption is an important aspect of tuberculosis management and medication adherence.
D. Wear a mask while out or around crowds of people:
This instruction is crucial for individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets, particularly when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a mask while out or in crowded settings helps reduce the risk of transmitting infectious droplets to others and is an important infection control measure. It is especially important during the early stages of treatment when the individual is still infectious and shedding bacteria. Proper mask use, along with other respiratory hygiene practices, can help protect both the individual with tuberculosis and those around them from the spread of infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fatigue
When collecting data from a client with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), the nurse should expect to observe fatigue as one of the common manifestations. TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Fatigue is a typical symptom experienced by individuals with TB, often resulting from the body's immune response to the infection, as well as the systemic effects of inflammation and tissue damage caused by the bacteria.
B. High fever in the early morning
While fever is a symptom of tuberculosis, it may not necessarily occur specifically in the early morning. Fever associated with TB can occur at any time of the day and may persist for weeks to months. The pattern of fever can vary among individuals and may not consistently occur in the early morning.
C. Edema
Edema, or swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues, is not typically associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Edema is more commonly observed in conditions such as heart failure, renal failure, or liver disease, rather than in TB.
D. Increased appetite
Increased appetite is not a typical finding in pulmonary tuberculosis. In fact, individuals with active TB infection often experience appetite loss and unintended weight loss due to factors such as decreased food intake, metabolic changes, and systemic inflammation associated with the infection.
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