The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with a fractured left hip. The client develops tachypnea and deterioration in mental status. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Perform an arterial stick to obtain a PaO2 level.
Obtain vital signs, including oxygen saturation.
Start oxygen at 2 liters nasal cannula.
Assess pain level and last pain medication given.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Performing an arterial stick to obtain a PaO2 level is important for diagnostic purposes but does not address the immediate need to improve oxygenation.
B. Obtaining vital signs, including oxygen saturation, is important but should follow the initiation of oxygen therapy to address the immediate threat to the client’s respiratory status.
C. Starting oxygen at 2 liters nasal cannula is the highest priority intervention to immediately improve the client’s oxygenation status and address the acute symptoms of tachypnea and altered mental status.
D. Assessing pain level and last pain medication given is important but secondary to addressing the client's acute respiratory symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs, such as the bowel, through a wound that has reopened. The observation of bowel on the skin indicates this serious complication.
B. Hemorrhage refers to excessive bleeding, which would not typically involve the appearance of bowel on the skin.
C. Infection could cause wound complications but would not lead to the sudden appearance of bowel outside the body.
D. Dehiscence is the partial or complete separation of wound edges, but it does not involve the protrusion of internal organs. Evisceration is a more severe progression where internal organs are exposed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Protecting the client's left side during transfers is not directly related to addressing neglect syndrome. Clients with right hemisphere strokes may neglect the left side, but the UAP should be guided to approach from the left to help manage the neglect.
B. Demonstrating to the UAP how to approach the client from the left side helps manage the effects of neglect syndrome. Clients with right hemisphere strokes may not be aware of or may ignore the left side, so approaching from this side can improve the client’s awareness and safety.
C. Observing interactions between the client and family members might provide insights into the client’s condition but is not a direct intervention for managing neglect syndrome. The focus should be on practical strategies to help the client with neglect.
D. Asking the UAP to leave the room and assessing the client for bruising does not address the immediate needs of managing neglect syndrome. The priority is to ensure the client is safely engaged and managed, rather than performing a solitary assessment.
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