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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Extending progressive ambulation over one week is important but not the most critical instruction. Postoperative mobility is generally encouraged in a gradual manner, but it is not as urgent as managing specific activity restrictions.
B. Notifying the clinic if the child begins bedwetting is not typically a primary concern immediately following surgery for cryptorchidism. Bedwetting is not directly related to the surgical procedure or its common postoperative concerns.
C. Restricting the child from playing on riding toys is the most important instruction for preventing complications. Riding toys can be a safety risk due to potential trauma to the surgical site and could cause harm during the recovery period.
D. Supervising toileting to prevent picking at sutures is relevant but less critical compared to the need to restrict potentially harmful activities. While important, it is a secondary concern compared to overall activity restrictions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Breast tenderness is a common side effect of oral contraceptives and is generally not a cause for immediate concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.
B. Left calf pain is a significant finding that could indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition requiring prompt evaluation and potential treatment to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism.
C. A change in menstrual flow can occur with oral contraceptives but is usually less critical than other symptoms. It should be monitored but does not indicate an immediate problem.
D. A weight gain of 5 pounds is a relatively minor side effect and not as urgent as symptoms suggestive of a serious condition like DVT.
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