An unresponsive 79-yr-old patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) during a summer heat wave. The patient's core temperature is 105.4" F (40.8" C), blood pressure (BP) is 88/50 mm Hg, and pulse is 112 beats/min. What action should the nurse plan to take?
Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectal suppository.
Provide O2 at 2 L/min with a nasal cannula.
Apply wet sheets and a fan to the patient
Start lactated Ringer's solution at 1000 mL/hr
The Correct Answer is C
A. Giving acetaminophen is appropriate for fever reduction but does not address the hypotension and potential dehydration in this scenario.
B. Providing oxygen is important, but the patient's hypotension requires fluid resuscitation as the initial priority.
C. Applying wet sheets and a fan are immediate actions focused on rapid cooling. The priority is to lower the body temperature as quickly as possible to prevent organ damage.
D. Starting lactated Ringer's solution at a high rate is crucial to address hypovolemia and to cool the patient effectively through intravenous hydration but should be done after cooling the patient using a wet sheet.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
A. Docusate sodium suppositories are commonly used to prevent constipation, which is important postoperatively, especially if the client is experiencing decreased bowel sounds and reports feeling bloated.
B. Ice application can help reduce swelling (edema) in the scrotal and penile area, which is noted in the client's assessment. This can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
C. Antispasmodic medications can help manage bladder spasms, which are common postoperatively due to the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter and continuous bladder irrigation.
D. While changing positions is important to prevent complications like pressure ulcers and promote comfort, specifically placing the client in a sitting position while in bed may not be necessary and could potentially interfere with postoperative recovery and comfort.
E. Teaching the client how to use a leg bag for urinary drainage is important, especially if the client will be discharged with a catheter. This education ensures the client can manage their urinary drainage system effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Placing the client's clothing in a plastic bag may be necessary for preserving evidence but does not address immediate safety concerns.
B. Instructing the client to remove their clothing helps reduce further exposure to the unknown chemical.
C. Maintaining a safe distance from the client is important, but immediate decontamination is a higher priority.
D. Showering and scrubbing the client's skin should be done after removing contaminated clothing to minimize exposure.
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