The nurse is caring for a patient who is one day post-mastectomy and notes that she is sobbing and gasping for breath. What should the nurse do first?
Notify the registered nurse.
Raise the head of the bed.
Sit with her and listen to her concerns.
Ask the patient what is wrong.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Notifying the registered nurse is important but should come after initially assessing the patient's immediate needs.
Choice B reason: Raising the head of the bed may help with breathing but does not address the cause of the patient's distress.
Choice C reason: Sitting with her and listening to her concerns is supportive but should follow an initial assessment of why she is sobbing and gasping for breath.
Choice D reason: Asking the patient what is wrong is the first step in assessing the situation and providing appropriate care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fecal impaction typically presents with the inability to pass stool and may not be associated with the absence of bowel sounds.
Choice B reason: Incisional infection is usually indicated by localized redness, warmth, and possible discharge, not necessarily by the absence of bowel sounds or flatus.
Choice C reason: Health care-associated Clostridium difficile often presents with diarrhea, not the absence of bowel sounds or flatus.
Choice D reason: Paralytic ileus is characterized by impaired intestinal motility and transit, absence of the passage of flatus, diminished bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and intestinal dilatation, fitting the symptoms described.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Opioid analgesics do not typically increase coughing; they may actually suppress cough reflexes.
Choice B reason: Opioid analgesics are known to have a calming effect, which can help reduce anxiety in postoperative patients.
Choice C reason: Opioids can lead to decreased blood pressure, not an increase.
Choice D reason: Opioids typically decrease the respiratory rate, which is a potential side effect that needs to be monitored.
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