A patient with a history of adrenal insufficiency has been admitted to the intensive care unit due to an acute adrenal crisis.

The patient is experiencing nausea and joint pain.

The patient’s vital signs are as follows: temperature of 102 F (38.9° C), heart rate of 138 beats/minute, and blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg. What is the first intervention the nurse should implement?

Obtain an analgesic prescription

Infuse an intravenous fluid bolus

Administer PRN oral antipyretic

Cover the patient with a cooling blanket

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
While obtaining an analgesic prescription might help to alleviate the patient’s joint pain, it is not the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. The patient’s low blood pressure and high heart rate are immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed first.
Choice B rationale
Infusing an intravenous fluid bolus is the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. This can help to increase the patient’s blood pressure, which is dangerously low.
Choice C rationale
Administering a PRN oral antipyretic could help to reduce the patient’s fever, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. The patient’s low blood pressure and high heart rate are immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed first.

Choice D rationale
Covering the patient with a cooling blanket could help to reduce the patient’s fever, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented in an acute adrenal crisis. The patient’s low blood pressure and high heart rate are immediate life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed first.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Administer IV fluids B. Assess the rash C. Administer an antihistamine D. Administer a steroid

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Administering IV fluids is a potential nursing intervention for several body systems. For example, the circulatory system may require IV fluids to maintain blood volume and pressure. The renal system may need IV fluids to ensure adequate urine output. The digestive system might need IV fluids to compensate for losses from vomiting or diarrhea.
Choice B rationale
Assessing a rash is a potential nursing intervention for the integumentary system. Rashes can be a sign of many different conditions, including allergic reactions, infections, autoimmune diseases, and more. By assessing the rash, the nurse can gather information to help determine its cause and appropriate treatment.
Choice C rationale
Administering an antihistamine is a potential nursing intervention for the immune system. Antihistamines are often used to treat allergic reactions, which involve the immune system.

They can also be used to treat symptoms of the common cold, which is caused by a viral infection.
Choice D rationale
Administering a steroid is a potential nursing intervention for several body systems. Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation, which can benefit the musculoskeletal, integumentary, respiratory, and other systems. They can also be used to treat certain endocrine disorders.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

The nurse uses the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) and determines that the daughter is under significant stress caused by the assumption of her mother’s care.

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

The nurse notices redness under the chin of a client who is receiving oxygen at 2 L/minute via a nasal cannula. What action should the nurse take?

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A nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient experiencing insulin shock. What is the best method for administering the medication?

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with acute gastritis caused by drinking contaminated water. The nurse should emphasize the need to report the onset of which problem?