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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Yellow-tinged sputum is not a serious adverse effect of linezolid. It may indicate an infection or inflammation in the respiratory tract, but it does not require immediate attention from the health care provider.
Choice B: Nausea and headache are common side effects of linezolid. They are usually mild and self-limiting, and they can be managed with supportive measures such as hydration, rest, and analgesics.
Choice C: Watery diarrhea is a sign of pseudomembranous colitis, a potentially life-threatening complication of linezolid. It is caused by an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria in the colon, which produce toxins that damage the intestinal mucosa. It can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, sepsis, and perforation. The nurse should report this finding to the health care provider immediately and stop the linezolid infusion.
Choice D: Increased fatigue is not a specific or serious adverse effect of linezolid. It may be related to the underlying infection, anemia, or other factors. It does not require urgent intervention from the health care provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle is not a sufficient intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce snoring and improve breathing by preventing the tongue and soft palate from falling back and obstructing the airway. However, it may not be enough to prevent apnea episodes in clients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially if they have other risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. The nurse should also use other interventions such as a positive airway pressure device, weight loss, or surgery.
Choice C reason: Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Dentures or other oral appliances are devices that replace missing teeth or improve dental alignment. They may help improve speech, chewing, and appearance, but they do not have a direct impact on obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse should instruct the client to remove dentures or other oral appliances before going to bed to prevent discomfort, infection, or damage.
Choice D reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is not a necessary intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Side rails are bars that attach to the sides of the bed frame to prevent falls or injuries. They may provide safety and security for some clients, but they may also pose risks such as entrapment, strangulation, or agitation. The nurse should assess the need for side rails on an individual basis and consider alternative measures such as bed alarms, low beds, or floor mats.
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