A postoperative client following a thyroidectomy suddenly develops difficulty breathing, stridor, and an increase in swelling of the anterior neck area. What should the nurse do first?

Activate the hospital’s emergency or rapid response system.

Place a heart monitor on the client and observe for dysrhythmias.

Ask the charge nurse to come see the client immediately.

Check the client’s blood pressure and heart rate.

Provide a calm and assuring environment for the client.

Place the emergency cart at the bedside.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: The first priority in this situation is to ensure the client’s airway is secure. Difficulty breathing and stridor indicate a potential airway obstruction, which can be life-threatening. Activating the hospital’s emergency or rapid response system ensures that the client receives immediate medical attention from a team equipped to handle such emergencies. This step is crucial to prevent respiratory arrest and other complications.

Choice B reason: While placing a heart monitor on the client and observing for dysrhythmias is important, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client’s airway and breathing take precedence over monitoring heart rhythms. Once the airway is secured and breathing is stabilized, then monitoring for dysrhythmias can be considered.

Choice C reason: Asking the charge nurse to come see the client immediately is a reasonable action, but it is not the most effective first step. The charge nurse may not have the necessary equipment or expertise to handle an acute airway obstruction. Activating the emergency or rapid response system ensures that a specialized team responds quickly.

Choice D reason: Checking the client’s blood pressure and heart rate is important for overall assessment, but it is not the immediate priority when there is a potential airway obstruction. Ensuring the client can breathe is the most critical action. Vital signs can be checked once the airway is secured.

Choice E reason: Providing a calm and assuring environment for the client is beneficial for reducing anxiety, but it does not address the immediate threat to the client’s airway. While maintaining a calm environment is important, the nurse must first ensure the client’s airway is open and breathing is adequate.

Choice F reason: Placing the emergency cart at the bedside is a preparatory step that can be useful, but it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first activate the emergency or rapid response system to get immediate help. The emergency cart can be brought to the bedside by the responding team.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

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

Explanation

Choice A reason: A 22-year-old client with asthma is considered a priority for pneumonia vaccination. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can increase the risk of complications from pneumonia. Vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal infections, which can be particularly severe in individuals with underlying respiratory conditions.

Choice B reason: A healthy 72-year-old client is also a priority for pneumonia vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults aged 65 years and older. Older adults are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease due to age-related decline in immune function.

Choice C reason: A client with well-controlled diabetes should be prioritized for pneumonia vaccination. Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including pneumonia. Vaccination is an important preventive measure for individuals with chronic health conditions.

Choice D reason: A client who is taking medication for hypertension is not necessarily a priority for pneumonia vaccination based solely on their hypertension. While hypertension is a common condition, it does not directly increase the risk of pneumococcal disease. However, if the client has other risk factors or comorbidities, they may still be considered for vaccination.

Choice E reason: A client who had a cholecystectomy last year is not a priority for pneumonia vaccination based on this surgical history alone. A cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder, does not increase the risk of pneumococcal disease. Priority for vaccination is typically given to individuals with chronic health conditions, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

A. Elevate the head of the client’s bed B. Contact the Rapid Response Team C. Tell the client to report vision changes D. Insert a peripheral IV E. Initiate seizure precautions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Elevating the head of the client’s bed can help reduce blood pressure slightly by promoting venous return and decreasing intracranial pressure. However, this action alone is not sufficient to address the severe hypertension (254/139 mm Hg) the client is experiencing. Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, or organ damage.

Choice B reason:

Contacting the Rapid Response Team is the highest priority action. The Rapid Response Team is trained to handle critical situations and can provide immediate interventions to stabilize the client’s condition. Severe hypertension at this level requires urgent medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. The team can administer medications to lower blood pressure quickly and monitor the client closely.

Choice C reason:

Telling the client to report vision changes is important because vision changes can indicate hypertensive retinopathy or increased intracranial pressure. However, this action is not the immediate priority. The client’s blood pressure needs to be controlled urgently to prevent further complications.

Choice D reason:

Inserting a peripheral IV is necessary for administering medications and fluids. While this is an important step, it should follow the immediate action of contacting the Rapid Response Team. The team can then use the IV access to administer antihypertensive medications promptly.

Choice E reason:

Initiating seizure precautions is important because severe hypertension can lead to seizures. However, this action is not the first priority. The primary focus should be on stabilizing the client’s blood pressure through immediate medical intervention.

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A postoperative client following a thyroidectomy suddenly develops difficulty breathing, stridor, and an increase in swelling of the anterior neck area. What should the nurse do first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing pneumonia vaccinations in a community setting. Due to limited finances, the event organizers must limit giving the vaccination to priority groups. What clients would be considered a priority when administering the pneumonia vaccination? (Select all that apply)

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

Explanation

You are caring for a client in the ED with B/P 254/139 mm Hg. Which of the following actions would you take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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