The nurse is providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. What nursing intervention takes the highest priority?
Maintain a patent airway
Place an intravenous catheter (IV)
Administer diazepam, per order
Insert a nasogastric tube (NG)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Maintaining a patent airway is the highest priority when providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or recurrent seizures. It can lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress and hypoxia.
Therefore, ensuring a patent airway is crucial to prevent hypoxia and further brain damage. This involves positioning the patient to prevent aspiration, potentially suctioning the airway, and providing supplemental oxygen as needed.
Choice B rationale
While placing an intravenous catheter (IV) is an important intervention, it is not the highest priority. An IV allows for the administration of medications and fluids, which are necessary in the management of status epilepticus. However, it is secondary to maintaining a patent airway.
Choice C rationale
Administering diazepam or other antiepileptic drugs is a key intervention in managing status epilepticus. These medications help to stop the seizures. However, medication administration should only occur after a patent airway has been established.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a nasogastric tube (NG) may be necessary in some cases to protect the airway or for administering medications or nutrition. However, this is not the highest priority intervention. The first step in managing status epilepticus is always to ensure a patent airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by continuous or rapid-fire seizures. Intravenous diazepam is one of the first-line treatments for this condition. It works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thereby helping to stop the seizure.
Choice B rationale
Oral lorazepam is not typically used to halt a seizure immediately due to its slower onset of action compared to intravenous administration.
Choice C rationale
Oral phenytoin is not typically used to halt a seizure immediately. It is more commonly used for the long-term management of seizures.
Choice D rationale
Intravenous phenobarbital is a second-line treatment for status epilepticus, used when first- line treatments such as diazepam are ineffective.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: = b. Prostaglandins
Choice A: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: These medications can be used for glaucoma, but they are not typically the first-line treatment due to potential side effects.
Choice B: Prostaglandins (Correct Answer) These are often the preferred initial medication for glaucoma because they are effective at lowering eye pressure, have minimal systemic side effects, and are typically used once daily.
Choice C: Alpha-agonists: These medications can be used as an adjunct to other glaucoma medications but are not usually the first choice due to potential side effects like dry mouth and fatigue.
Choice D: Beta-blockers: While once a common first-line treatment, beta-blockers have been largely replaced by prostaglandins due to potential side effects like slowed heart rate and worsened breathing problems.
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