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: Centering attention on positive upbeat music is not a specific instruction for the nurse to include, as this is a general coping strategy that may or may not be helpful for this client. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Finding outlets for more social interaction is not a relevant instruction for the nurse to include, as this may not address the underlying causes of anxiety or stress for this client. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Practicing using muscle relaxation techniques is an appropriate instruction for the nurse to include, as this can help reduce physical tension and promote calmness and relaxation for this client. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Thinking about reasons the episodes occur is not a helpful instruction for the nurse to include, as this can increase rumination and anxiety for this client. This is another distractor choice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer.According to the rule of nines, each leg accounts for 18% of the total body surface area, and the anterior surface of each leg accounts for half of that, or 9%. Therefore, the patient has partial-thickness burns on 9% + 9% = 18% of the body surface area.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. This would be the case if the patient had partial-thickness burns on the anterior and posterior surfaces of both legs, as well as the head and neck, which is not given in the question.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. This would be the case if the patient had partial-thickness burns on the anterior surface of only one leg, which is not given in the question.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. This would be the case if the patient had partial-thickness burns on the anterior and posterior surfaces of both legs, which is not given in the question.
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