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 D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Mixing the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice B rationale
Diluting the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would significantly dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. While dextrose is often a component of TPN solutions, in this case, the patient requires a concentrated dose of dextrose to treat insulin shock.

Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Administering the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV is the appropriate method for administering the medication. This allows for the rapid administration of a concentrated dose of glucose, which is necessary to quickly raise the patient’s blood glucose level in the case of insulin shock.

A. Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination. B. Encourage increased intake of high protein foods. C. Review the client’s current food and medication allergies. D. Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall. E. Provide instruction on taking the client’s temperature.

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Sudden onset of confusion in an older adult could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause delirium and behavioral changes in older adults. Therefore, asking if the client is experiencing any pain with urination could help identify a potential UTI.
Choice B rationale
While high protein foods are generally beneficial for health, there is no direct link between increased intake of high protein foods and sudden onset of confusion. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate action in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the client’s current food and medication allergies is always important in healthcare settings. However, it may not directly address the sudden onset of confusion unless the client has had a recent change in diet or medication that could have triggered an allergic reaction leading to confusion.
Choice D rationale
A recent fall could potentially cause a sudden change in mental status due to a head injury or other trauma. Therefore, determining if the client has recently experienced a fall is an appropriate action.
Choice E rationale
Fever can cause confusion, especially in older adults. Therefore, providing instruction on taking the client’s temperature can help the caregiver monitor for signs of infection that could be contributing to the client’s confusion.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient with insulin shock. What is the appropriate method for administering the medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and a weight gain of 4.4 lbs (2 kg) in 24 hours in a client with hepatic failure. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

The patient provides three positive responses to items on the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) query. What interpretation should the nurse provide to the patient?

The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which of these prescribed medications places the client at risk for cardiogenic shock?

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a prescription for chest physiotherapy (CPT) to help mobilize secretions. Following the therapy, which finding indicates to the nurse that the intervention was effective?

A client is admitted for an exacerbation of heart failure (HF) and is being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. In planning nursing care, which interventions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.