Days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects that the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?

Notify the healthcare provider.

Prepare a continuous heparin infusion per protocol.

Provide supplemental oxygen.

Bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice C is correct because providing supplemental oxygen is the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. A pulmonary embolus is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow, causing hypoxia and respiratory distress. The nurse should administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygenation and prevent further complications.

Choice A is incorrect because notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's vital signs and symptoms.

Choice B is incorrect because preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrence, but it does not dissolve existing clots or improve oxygenation. The nurse should prepare a heparin infusion after obtaining a prescription from the healthcare provider and confirming the diagnosis with diagnostic tests.

Choice D is incorrect because bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The emergency crash cart contains equipment and medications that can be used in case of cardiac arrest or other emergencies, but it does not address the immediate need of oxygenation. The nurse should bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's condition.

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

Explanation

Choice C reason: Initiating patient controlled analgesia (PCA. pumps for two clients immediately postoperatively is not a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. PCA pump is a device that allows the client to self-administer pain medication through an IV line by pressing a button. PCA pump should be initiated by the nurse after verifying the prescription, setting the parameters, educating the client, and ensuring safety and effectiveness. The PN does not have the authority or competency to initiate PCA pump or adjust its settings.

Choice D reason: Starting the second blood transfusion for a client twelve hours following a below knee amputation is not a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. Blood transfusion is a procedure that delivers donated blood or blood products into the client's bloodstream through an IV line. Blood transfusion should be started by the nurse after verifying the prescription, checking the blood type and compatibility, obtaining informed consent, and monitoring for any adverse reactions. The PN does not have the authority or competency to start blood transfusion or manage its complications.

A. Encourage rest until the analgesic becomes effective. B. Raise head of bed until at a 90 degree angle. C. Place bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position. D. Position bedside table so the client can lean across it.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Encourage rest until the analgesic becomes effective. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. The analgesic may take some time to relieve the pain, and forcing the client to lie down may increase the pressure on the pancreas and worsen the pain.

Choice B: Raise head of bed until at a 90 degree angle. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. Raising the head of bed may help reduce abdominal distension and improve breathing, but it may not relieve the pain as much as leaning forward.

Choice C: Place bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. Placing the bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position may help shift the abdominal organs away from the pancreas and reduce inflammation, but it may not relieve the pain as much as leaning forward.

Choice D: Position bedside table so the client can lean across it. This is the best intervention, as it addresses the client's preference and comfort level. Leaning forward may help decrease the tension on the pancreas and relieve the pain. The bedside table can provide support and stability for the client while sitting up.

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Days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects that the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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