The nurse is caring for a client after an endoscopy. The client is lethargic and not responding to verbal commands. The priority nursing action is to:
assess the client's airway and breathing.
assess the client's gag reflex.
call the physician immediately.
document this as normal findings and reassess in half an hour.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The client's lethargy and lack of response to verbal commands raise concerns about their level of consciousness and potential airway compromise. Assessing the client's airway and breathing involves ensuring that the airway is clear, assessing respiratory rate and effort, and monitoring oxygenation.
B. Assessing the gag reflex can provide additional information about airway protection. However, it should not delay assessment and intervention for airway and breathing concerns.
C. Contacting the physician may be necessary but it is not the priority nursing action in this situation. The nurse should first assess the client's airway and breathing to ensure their safety and stability.
D. The client's lethargy and unresponsiveness are not normal findings after an endoscopy and require immediate assessment and intervention. Delaying assessment and intervention could lead to serious complications, including respiratory compromise or airway obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that can be transmitted through tiny respiratory droplets that remain in the air for extended periods. Examples include tuberculosis and measles. Given the symptom of coughing up blood and the possibility of an infectious respiratory disease, initiating airborne precautions could be warranted.
A. Droplet precautions are typically implemented for diseases that spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. However, coughing up blood suggests a more serious condition that may not be adequately addressed by droplet precautions alone.
C. Positive pressure rooms are typically used in healthcare settings to prevent outside air from entering the room, thus reducing the risk of airborne contaminants. While this measure can be beneficial for certain conditions, such as those requiring airborne precautions, it may not be the priority intervention.
D. Neutropenic precautions are implemented for patients with compromised immune systems, particularly those with low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). While this precaution is important for protecting immunocompromised patients from infections, it may not be the priority intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. After ECT, the client may be disoriented, confused, or drowsy due to the effects of anesthesia and the procedure itself. Orienting the client to their surroundings and situation helps promote their safety and comfort. Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is crucial to assess the client's immediate post-procedural status and detect any complications.
A. Offering reassurance can help alleviate any anxiety or confusion the client may experience. However, while this intervention is important, it may not be the first priority immediately upon admission to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
B. Hydration is important after any medical procedure, including ECT. However, immediately after ECT, the client may still be recovering from anesthesia and may not be fully alert or able to safely drink fluids.
D. Assisting the client with mobility is important but it may not be the first intervention performed in the PACU after ECT. The priority immediately upon admission to the PACU is to ensure the client's safety.
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