On admission to the emergency department, a client who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 3 years ago reports taking a handful of medications this morning and left a suicide note for the family. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
What drugs the client used for the suicide attempt.
When the client last took drugs for bipolar disorder.
Whether the client ever attempted suicide in the past.
Which family member has the client's suicide note.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Knowing the type and amount of drugs ingested is critical for immediate medical intervention and treatment.
Choice B reason: While important, the timing of the last dose for bipolar disorder is less urgent than the details of the suicide attempt.
Choice C reason: Past suicide attempts are relevant for a psychiatric evaluation but are not the immediate concern in an acute overdose situation.
Choice D reason: The location of the suicide note is less critical than the medical information needed to treat the client's overdose.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is important for monitoring cardiac function, it is not as frequent or specific as potassium monitoring for hyperkalemia management.
Choice B reason: Evaluating glucose levels is necessary due to the risk of hypoglycemia from insulin administration, but the priority is monitoring potassium levels in hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason: Monitoring intake and output is part of fluid balance management but is secondary to the critical need to monitor serum potassium levels.
Choice D reason: Frequent assessment of serum potassium levels is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the dextrose and insulin therapy in lowering potassium levels.
Correct Answer is A,B,C,D,E
Explanation
Choice A reason: The first step is to document the concerns for an accurate record and report them to the charge nurse to address the issue internally within the unit.
Choice B reason: If the issue is not resolved at the unit level, the next step is to discuss the matter with the physician directly as a group, which can lead to a resolution without escalating the situation.
Choice C reason: Should the problem persist, submitting a written report to the Director of Nursing is appropriate to involve higher management and seek further action.
Choice D reason: If the issue remains unresolved after involving the Director of Nursing, contacting the hospital's Chief of Medical Services is the next step to escalate the matter within the hospital's administrative structure.
Choice E reason: As a last resort, if all internal avenues have been exhausted and the problem persists, filing a formal complaint with the state medical board is necessary to address potential violations of professional conduct.
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