Four days after exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a client has a negative COVID-19 test result.

Eight days after the negative test result, the client presents with fever, fatigue, and cough, and the nurse performs a second COVID-19 test.

Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Notify the charge nurse the client will need assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility.

Institute droplet precautions, place the client in a private room, and keep the door closed.

Explain to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days.

Place the nasal swab specimen for COVID-19 directly into a biohazard bag.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: While notifying the charge nurse about the client’s condition is important, it is not the most critical action. The charge nurse’s role would be to coordinate care and ensure appropriate resources are available, but the immediate safety and well-being of the client and others in the facility is the priority. Therefore, this choice is not the most important action for the nurse to take.

Choice B rationale: Instituting droplet precautions, placing the client in a private room, and keeping the door closed is the most important action. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Therefore, it is crucial to implement droplet precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes wearing a mask, eye protection, and a gown and gloves when caring for the client. The client should also be placed in a private room with the door closed to further prevent the spread of the virus.

Choice C rationale: While it is important for the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed, this is not the most critical action. The priority is to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility. Once the client is appropriately isolated and precautions are in place, the client can be educated and assisted with notifying others about potential exposure.

Choice D rationale: Placing the nasal swab specimen for COVID-19 directly into a biohazard bag is a standard procedure when collecting specimens for testing. However, this action does not address the immediate need to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility. Therefore, this choice is not the most important action for the nurse to take.

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Correct Answer is D,B,C,A

Explanation

Rationalizing the Priority
1. Airway/Breathing (D):
The "A" and "B" of the ABCs take precedence. In myxedema coma, hypoventilation is a primary concern. The client may experience respiratory muscle weakness or a decreased drive to breathe, leading to CO₂ retention and respiratory failure. Assessing the rate, depth, and effort of breathing is the absolute first step.

2. Circulation (B):
Once the airway is confirmed, you assess the "C" (Circulation). Myxedema coma causes severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output, which leads to hypotension. Assessing blood pressure tells the nurse if the client is in cardiogenic shock.

3. Vital Signs/Metabolic State (C):
Hypothermia is a hallmark sign of myxedema coma (temperatures can often drop below 95°F or 35°C). While critical, it is addressed after ensuring the heart is pumping and the lungs are moving air. Monitoring temperature is vital because rapid rewarming can actually cause vasodilation and worsen shock.

4. Focused Physical Assessment (A):
Palpating for edema is an important part of a head-to-toe assessment for hypothyroidism (non-pitting mucinous edema is common), but it is not a life-saving intervention. It is a secondary assessment compared to the vital signs and respiratory status.

A. Ketonuria. B. Peripheral edema. C. Hypokalemia. D. Elevated blood pressure.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Ketonuria is not a common complication of diabetes insipidus. Ketonuria is associated with diabetes mellitus, a different condition that results in the accumulation of ketones in the urine due to insufficient insulin.

Choice B rationale:

Peripheral edema is also an unlikely complication of diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by excessive thirst and urination, not fluid retention or peripheral edema.

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Four days after exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a client has a negative COVID-19 test result. Eight days after the negative test result, the client presents with fever, fatigue, and cough, and the nurse performs a second COVID-19 test. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma. In assessing the client, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? (Rank the first action at the top with the remainder in descending order.).

Correct Answer is D,B,C,A

Explanation

A client is admitted to the intensive care unit with diabetes insipidus due to a pituitary gland tumor. Which potential complication should the nurse monitor closely?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Four days after exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a client has a negative COVID-19 test result.

Eight days after the negative test result, the client presents with fever, fatigue, and cough, and the nurse performs a second COVID-19 test.

Which action is most important for the nurse to take?