The nurse is caring for a client admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports a pounding headache. Which action should the nurse take?
Elevate head of bed no higher than 30 degrees.
Affirm blood glucose is below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L)
Check for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription.
Obtain a manual blood pressure measurement.
The Correct Answer is D
A pounding headache in a client with COPD may be a symptom of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, known as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can lead to vasodilation, resulting in headaches. In this situation, it is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure to determine if it is elevated, as this could be contributing to the headache.
Obtaining a manual blood pressure measurement allows for a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure compared to automated measurements. It is important to assess both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as elevated blood pressure can worsen headaches and have other negative effects on the client's health.
Elevating the head of the bed no higher than 30 degrees is a general measure used to improve respiratory function in clients with COPD. However, in this specific situation, it may not directly address the pounding headache. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce dyspnea and improve oxygenation, but it may not alleviate the headache caused by hypercapnia.
Affirming blood glucose levels are below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L) is not the primary concern in this case. While high blood glucose levels can have various effects on the body, including headaches, the priority is to assess the client's blood pressure due to the specific context of a COPD exacerbation.
Checking for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription is not necessary in response to the client's headache. Diuretics are typically used to remove excess fluid from the body and may not directly address the underlying cause of the headache in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat conditions such as edema and hypertension. It does not directly relate to the client's history of gout or the risk of calcium kidney stones.
B) Incorrect- Low-dose aspirin is often used for its antiplatelet effects to prevent cardiovascular events. It does not directly relate to the client's history of gout or the risk of calcium kidney stones.
C) Correct- Allopurinol is a medication used to treat gout by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. However, allopurinol can also increase the risk of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones, which is the type of kidney stone mentioned in the client's history. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone, and they are composed primarily of calcium and oxalate. In this case, the client has a history of gout and is prescribed allopurinol. The nurse should bring the client's prescription for allopurinol to the healthcare provider's attention because
it has the potential to contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which could exacerbate the client's existing condition.
D) Incorrect- Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It does not directly relate to the client's history of gout or the risk of calcium kidney stones.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Reviewing transcutaneous bilirubin levels is unrelated to the presence of an enlarged clitoris. Bilirubin levels are typically assessed to monitor jaundice in newborns.
B) Incorrect- Observing and palpating breast tissue for enlargement is not relevant to the condition of salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Breast tissue enlargement would not be associated with this hormonal disorder.
C) Incorrect- Assessing for signs of fluid retention and bilateral pedal edema is important for monitoring for other conditions, but it is not relevant to the enlarged clitoris seen in this specific scenario.
D) Correct- Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder that results in a deficiency of certain enzymes required for cortisol and aldosterone production. This deficiency leads to an overproduction of androgens, which can cause virilization of female external genitalia. The enlarged clitoris is a result of increased androgen levels. Explaining this finding to the mother provides her with accurate information about the condition and its effects on the infant's anatomy.
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