The nurse enters her client’s room and finds the client complaining pf dyspnea, chest pain and syncope. The nurse assesses the client and notes the following findings. The client is pale and diaphoretic with a blood pressure of 90/60mmHg and respirations of 33. The client is anxious and fearing death. Which action should the nurse take first?
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Administer prescribed pain medications
Administer NS IV fluid
Ask the provider for a dopamine prescription
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula: The client's symptoms of dyspnea, chest pain, syncope, and hypotension suggest a possible acute cardiovascular event, such as a myocardial infarction (MI) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Administering oxygen should be the priority to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxia, which could exacerbate the client's symptoms and further compromise cardiac function.
B. Administer prescribed pain medications. Pain relief may be necessary, but stabilizing oxygen levels is the priority.
C. Administer NS IV fluid. Fluid administration may be helpful, but oxygenation is more critical in this situation to address the potential underlying respiratory or cardiac issue.
D. Ask the provider for a dopamine prescription. While dopamine may be used in cases of shock, the immediate action should be to ensure the client is adequately oxygenated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decerebrate posturing: This involves extension and outward rotation of the arms, which is not observed here.
B. Decorticate posturing: Internal rotation, adduction, and flexion of the arms are characteristic of decorticate posturing, indicating damage to the corticospinal tract.
C. Flexion withdrawal: This refers to pulling away from a painful stimulus and does not involve the described pattern of movement.
D. Localization of pain: This is an intentional movement toward the source of pain, which is not demonstrated in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Ventricular aneurysm. Ventricular aneurysms are a complication that typically develops weeks or months after an MI.
B. Heart failure. While heart failure is a risk following an MI, it is more of a concern in the longer term after the acute phase.
C. Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of MI and is less common in the immediate post-MI period.
D. Dysrhythmia: Within the first 24 hours following a myocardial infarction, dysrhythmias, particularly ventricular arrhythmias, are common and can be life-threatening. This is the highest risk during the early period after MI.
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