A patient is having dyspnea. What would the nurse do first?
Take the blood pressure
Remove the pillow from under the patient’s head
Elevate the foot of the bed
Elevate the head of the bed
The Correct Answer is A
A. Take the blood pressure:
Assessing blood pressure is a critical initial step when a patient is experiencing dyspnea. It helps provide information about the patient's overall cardiovascular status, which is essential in determining the severity of the dyspnea and guiding subsequent interventions.
B. Remove the pillow from under the patient’s head:
Removing the pillow may be a relevant intervention if the patient is in a position that could be contributing to respiratory distress. However, the priority is to first assess vital signs, particularly blood pressure, to gather information about the patient's cardiovascular status.
C. Elevate the foot of the bed:
Elevating the foot of the bed may be a consideration if the dyspnea is related to conditions such as heart failure, where raising the legs can help reduce venous return and decrease the workload on the heart. However, the initial priority is to assess blood pressure to guide appropriate interventions.
D. Elevate the head of the bed:
Elevating the head of the bed may be beneficial for patients with respiratory distress to improve ventilation and oxygenation. While this intervention may be appropriate, the first action should be to assess vital signs, particularly blood pressure, to gain an overall understanding of the patient's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Do you want to talk about your health concerns?"
While this question acknowledges the client's option to discuss health concerns, it is somewhat closed-ended and might not prompt the client to share specific details.
B. "Would it help to discuss your feelings about this hospitalization?"
This question addresses the client's feelings about the hospitalization, which is important for emotional well-being, but it might not directly elicit information about the client's primary health issues.
C. "Would you tell me about all of your medical issues?"
This question is somewhat open-ended but might be overwhelming for the client. It is more effective to start with a focused question about the reason for seeking care.
D. "What brought you to the hospital?"
This open-ended question encourages the client to share their primary reason for seeking healthcare and allows for a comprehensive discussion about the client's health concerns. It gives the client an opportunity to express their own perspective and share the relevant information about their medical condition or symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. “I will begin upon the client’s admission to the facility.”
Effective discharge planning should start upon the client's admission to the facility. It is an ongoing process that involves assessing the patient's needs, planning for post-discharge care, and ensuring a smooth transition from the hospital to the next level of care. Early initiation of discharge planning allows the healthcare team to address any potential barriers, educate the patient and their family, and coordinate necessary resources for a successful transition.
B. “I will begin once the client’s insurance company approves discharge coverage.”
Waiting for insurance approval may delay the discharge planning process and hinder the timely coordination of resources needed for post-discharge care.
C. “I will begin 48 hr before the client’s discharge.”
Waiting until 48 hours before discharge may not allow sufficient time to address all aspects of the discharge plan, potentially leading to rushed or incomplete preparations.
D. “I will begin once the client’s discharge order is written.”
Waiting for the discharge order may delay the start of the planning process, and effective discharge planning should be initiated earlier to ensure comprehensive and patient-centered care.
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