A patient presents to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
During the history and physical, it is discovered that the patient’s significant other is recovering from COVID-19. After obtaining a nasal swab to test the patient for COVID-19, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?
Start an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results.
Move the patient to a private room, keep the door closed, and initiate droplet precautions.
Notify the charge nurse that the patient will need assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility.
Explain to the patient to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Starting an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug administration is premature at this stage. The patient’s COVID-19 test results are not yet available, and antiviral drugs should not be administered without a confirmed positive test.
Choice B rationale
Moving the patient to a private room, keeping the door closed, and initiating droplet precautions is the most important action. Given the patient’s symptoms and the significant other’s COVID-19 status, these measures will help prevent potential spread of the virus.
Choice C rationale
Notifying the charge nurse for assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The first step should be to initiate droplet precautions to minimize the risk of transmission.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to inform the patient about potential exposure, the immediate priority is to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A CT scan of the chest can be performed to detect the severity of infection in pneumonia. However, it is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed. It is usually recommended if the pneumonia isn’t clearing as quickly as expected.
Choice B rationale
Arterial blood gases (ABG) can be used to measure the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream. However, ABG is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture test is often used to confirm the cause of infection in pneumonia. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) after a deep cough and analyzing it to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.
Choice D rationale
Blood cultures can identify the germ causing your pneumonia and also show whether a bacterial infection has spread to your blood. However, they are not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Notifying the healthcare provider of the client’s medication history is the priority nursing action. Heparin is an anticoagulant, which increases the risk of bleeding. The healthcare provider needs this information to make appropriate decisions about the client’s surgical plan and postoperative care.
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