The nurse assists with care of a confused patient who presents to the emergency department with stroke symptoms. Vital signs are blood pressure 174/100 mm Hg. pulse 64 beats per minute, and SpO2 88% on room air. Which nursing intervention is priority?
Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) exam
Obtain intravenous access
Administer 2 L of oxygen per nasal cannula
Obtain a rectal temperature
The Correct Answer is C
A. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) exam: While an ECG is important to assess cardiac status, it is not the immediate priority compared to addressing the low oxygen saturation.
B. Obtain intravenous access: IV access is important for administering medications and fluids but does not take precedence over addressing hypoxia.
C. Administer 2 L of oxygen per nasal cannula: This is correct. The priority is to improve oxygenation since hypoxia can exacerbate neurological damage in a stroke patient. An SpO2 of 88% is low and requires immediate correction to prevent further complications.
D. Obtain a rectal temperature: Temperature assessment is not as urgent as addressing the immediate need for oxygen to improve SpO2 levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Paresthesia: Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia) can occur due to decreased blood supply and nerve function.
B. Pruritus: Itching (pruritus) is not typically associated with arterial occlusion. It is more often related to skin conditions or allergies.
C. Pain: Pain is a hallmark symptom of arterial occlusion, often described as severe and sudden, due to tissue ischemia.
D. Pallor: Affected limbs or areas may appear pale (pallor) because of reduced blood flow.
E. Palpitations: Palpitations are not a direct symptom of arterial occlusion. They are more related to cardiac conditions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. I will be sure to avoid potassium while taking this medication.: Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, so patients are often advised to monitor their potassium levels and may need to increase their intake, not avoid it.
B. I should take the medication in the morning so I am not up all night going to the bathroom.: This is correct. Taking diuretics in the morning helps prevent nocturia (frequent urination at night), which can disrupt sleep.
C. I need to be sure to take this pill on an empty stomach.: Thiazide-like diuretics do not require an empty stomach for effectiveness; they can be taken with or without food.
D. If my blood pressure is really high, I will take a second dose.: This is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Medication dosing should be followed as prescribed, and adjustments should only be made by a healthcare provider.
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