Gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal are prescribed for an unconscious patient who has been admitted to the emergency department (ED) after ingesting 30 lorazepam (Ativan) tablets. Which prescribed action should the nurse plan to do first?
Prepare a 60-mL syringe with saline.
Assist with intubation of the patient.
Give first dose of activated charcoal.
Insert a large-bore orogastric tube.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Preparing a 60-mL syringe with saline may be necessary for gastric lavage but is not the first action.
B. For an unconscious patient who has ingested a significant quantity of lorazepam, securing the airway is the most critical first step to prevent aspiration and ensure the patient can breathe. Therefore, the nurse should assist with intubation of the patient.
C. The initial step is to ensure that the client’s airway is secured through intubation before administration of activated charcoal.
D. Inserting a large-bore orogastric tube may be necessary for gastric lavage but typically follows administration of activated charcoal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Humidifying the client's room helps to maintain adequate moisture levels in the air. However, it is not specifically related to low WBC counts.
B. Cleaning dentures in a denture cup and serving cooked fruit with meals are good practices for hygiene and dietary considerations but do not directly address infection control.
C. Serving cooked fruit with meals can help minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
D. Replacing the water in flower vases with fresh water daily is important for preventing bacterial growth but is not as directly beneficial for infection prevention in this context.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
