The patient is a 49-year-old male who has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for 4 days.
He came to the emergency department (ED) last night when his breathing difficulties increased. He has a history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.
He has no significant medical or surgical history.
Which two orders should the nurse prioritize?
Chest x-ray
Run 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour
Sputum culture
Start oxygen 3 L/minute via nasal cannula
Start a peripheral IV
Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 6 hours for temperature greater than 38.3° C .
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A rationale
A chest x-ray is a critical diagnostic tool for a patient presenting with flu-like symptoms, fever, chest congestion, and increased breathing difficulties. It can help identify conditions such as pneumonia or other lung diseases, which could be causing the patient’s symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While hydration is important, running a 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour is not the most immediate need for this patient. The patient’s symptoms are primarily respiratory, and there is no indication of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture could be useful for diagnosing bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. However, it is not the most immediate need for this patient, as the results of a culture test can take time to come back.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Given the patient’s increased breathing difficulties, starting oxygen therapy can help improve the patient’s oxygen levels and ease their breathing.
Choice E rationale
Starting a peripheral IV might be necessary for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the most immediate need in this scenario.
Choice F rationale
While controlling the patient’s fever is important, it is not as immediate a need as performing a chest x-ray and starting oxygen therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lamb’s wool is typically used for padding to prevent pressure sores and does not directly relate to the administration of oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is not necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice B rationale
Sterile water is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice C rationale
Tape can be used to secure the oxygen delivery device, such as a nasal cannula, to the patient’s face. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice D rationale
A suction canister is used to collect respiratory secretions during suctioning procedures, which may be necessary for patients with excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.
Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice E rationale
A humidifier bottle is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice F rationale
A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient who needs oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice G rationale
A flowmeter is used in oxygen therapy to control the rate of oxygen flow to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a patient suddenly experiences numbness and weakness on the right side of their body, including their arm and leg, and a distinct droop on the right side of the patient’s face, these are warning signs of a stroke. The nurse’s first course of action should be to initiate two large- bore IV catheters and review the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy. This is because rapid administration of fibrinolytic therapy can significantly improve outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Choice B rationale
Continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction is important, but the immediate priority is to prepare for potential fibrinolytic therapy.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment can be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Administering aspirin can help prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndrome or those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, in the case of a suspected stroke, immediate medical evaluation and potential fibrinolytic therapy are the priorities.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
