The most appropriate response by the nurse is:
"Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling but should be removed after 20 minutes."
The nurse is caring for four clients. Which of these clients will the nurse see first?
A client with a urinary tract infection who has a fever of 38.5°C and flank pain
A client with a deep vein thrombosis who has a positive Homans' sign and edema in the affected leg
A client with a myocardial infarction who has chest pain and shortness of breath
A client with a stroke who has slurred speech and facial droop
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is not the highest priority client because a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and treatable condition that affects the lower urinary system, such as the bladder or urethra. A fever of 38.5°C and flank pain can indicate that the infection has spread to the upper urinary system, such as the kidneys, which can cause pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires antibiotic therapy and hydration. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.
Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower extremities. A positive Homans' sign and edema in the affected leg can indicate that the clot is causing inflammation and obstruction of the blood flow. DVT is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires anticoagulant therapy and compression therapy. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, leg circumference, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and stockings.
Choice C reason: This is the highest priority client because a myocardial infarction (MI) is a heart attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage or death. Chest pain and shortness of breath can indicate that the client is experiencing acute cardiac ischemia, which can lead to cardiac arrest or heart failure. MI is a lifethreatening emergency that requires immediate intervention and treatment. The nurse should activate the rapid response team, monitor the client's vital signs, electrocardiogram, and oxygen saturation, and administer the prescribed medication and oxygen.
Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a stroke is a brain attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing tissue damage or death. Slurred speech and facial droop can indicate that the client is experiencing acute neurological impairment, which can affect their communication and facial expression. Stroke is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and glucose level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Capillary refill is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Capillary refill is a test that measures the time it takes for the color to return to the nail bed after applying pressure, which reflects the peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion. Capillary refill can be affected by factors such as temperature, hydration, or vasoconstriction. Capillary refill is not a specific or reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.
Choice B reason: Radial pulses are not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because they are not the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Radial pulses are the beats that can be felt at the wrist, which reflect the heart rate and rhythm. Radial pulses can be affected by factors such as activity, emotion, or medication. Radial pulses are not a specific or reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.
Choice C reason: Lung sounds are the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because they are the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Lung sounds are the noises that can be heard with a stethoscope over the chest, which reflect the air movement and ventilation in the lungs and airways. Lung sounds can reveal the presence of abnormalities, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds, which indicate fluid, inflammation, or obstruction in the lungs or airways. Lung sounds are a specific and reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.
Choice D reason: Skin turgor is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most relevant and sensitive indicator of the client's condition. Skin turgor is a test that measures the elasticity of the skin, which reflects the hydration and fluid status of the body. Skin turgor can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, or edema. Skin turgor is not a specific or reliable sign of PCP, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus that affects the lungs and respiratory system.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calling the chaplain for support is not the priority nursing intervention for a client who speaks only Spanish. The chaplain may not be able to communicate with the client or understand their needs. This choice does not address the language barrier or the client's reason for admission.
Choice B reason: Verifying the reason for admission is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority for a client who speaks only Spanish. The nurse cannot verify the reason for admission without communicating with the client or their family. This choice does not address the language barrier or the client's safety.
Choice C reason: Requesting a medical interpreter is the priority nursing intervention for a client who speaks only Spanish. The medical interpreter can facilitate communication between the nurse and the client, and help the nurse assess the client's condition, reason for admission, and needs. This choice addresses the language barrier and the client's safety.
Choice D reason: Giving the client a tour of the unit is not the priority nursing intervention for a client who speaks only Spanish. The client may not understand the tour or the information given by the nurse. This choice does not address the language barrier or the client's reason for admission.
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