After receiving a change-of-shift report, which patient admitted to the emergency department should the nurse assess first?
A 39-year-old patient who has right calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride
A 58-year-old patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools
A 67-year-old patient who has a gangrenous foot ulcer with a weak pedal pulse
A 50-year-old patient who is reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride could potentially indicate a deep vein thrombosis, this condition is not immediately life-threatening in most cases. The patient would need evaluation and treatment, but other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice B rationale
A patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools could potentially have gastrointestinal bleeding, which would need evaluation. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice C rationale
A patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse would need evaluation and treatment. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice D rationale
A patient reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain could potentially have an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first14.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Digoxin slows the heart rate and increases the force of heart contractions, which can be beneficial in heart failure. However, if the pulse is below 60 beats/min, taking digoxin could further slow the heart rate and potentially lead to bradycardia.
Choice B rationale
Nausea can be a side effect of digoxin and hydrochlorothiazide. If the patient develops nausea, they should notify their healthcare provider as this could indicate that the medication dose needs adjustment.
Choice C rationale
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause the body to lose potassium, so limiting dietary intake of potassium could potentially lead to hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood.
Choice D rationale
Taking hydrochlorothiazide at bedtime could potentially lead to nocturia, which is the need to wake up at night to urinate. This could disrupt the patient’s sleep.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aortic regurgitation is a condition where the aortic valve doesn’t close tightly, causing blood to leak back into the left ventricle. This condition can lead to left heart failure but is not typically associated with right heart failure.
Choice B rationale
Mitral regurgitation is a disorder in which the mitral valve on the left side of the heart does not close properly. This condition can lead to left heart failure but is not typically associated with right heart failure.
Choice C rationale
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. This condition can lead to left heart failure but is not typically associated with right heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart’s tricuspid valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. This condition can lead to right heart failure, especially when associated with pulmonary hypertension.
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