Two days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?
Notify the healthcare provider.
Prepare a continuous heparin infusion per protocol.
Provide supplemental oxygen.
Bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should prioritize interventions that address the client's immediate needs, such as oxygenation and circulation.
Choice B reason: Preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is an appropriate action for preventing further clot formation and reducing the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition before administering anticoagulant therapy.
Choice D reason: Bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is a prudent action, but not the first one. The nurse should prepare for possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac arrest, but should first attempt to prevent it by providing oxygen and other supportive measures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: D. Redress the abdominal incision
Choice A: Replace the IV catheter with a smaller gauge
Replacing the IV catheter with a smaller gauge is not directly addressing the issue of the client’s confusion and agitation. While a smaller gauge might be less irritating, it does not solve the problem of the client picking at the IV site. The pinkness at the IV site suggests mild irritation or early signs of phlebitis, which can be managed by monitoring and ensuring proper securement and care of the IV site.
Choice B: Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints
Applying wrist restraints should be a last resort due to the potential for causing distress, agitation, and physical harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to negative outcomes such as decreased circulation, pressure ulcers, and increased agitation, especially in patients with dementia. It is generally recommended to use less restrictive measures first.
Choice C: Leave the light on in the room at night
Leaving the light on in the room at night (C) can help reduce confusion and agitation in dementia patients, a phenomenon known as sundowning. However, it does not address the immediate issue of the non-occlusive dressing and the pink IV insertion site.
Choice D: Redress the abdominal incision
Given the situation, the most appropriate intervention would be to redress the abdominal incision (D). This is because the dressing is no longer occlusive, which can increase the risk of infection. Ensuring the dressing is secure and clean is crucial for the patient's safety.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Alcohol consumption will not produce vascular changes is incorrect information. Alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction, fluid retention, and interference with antihypertensive medications. The nurse should advise the client to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Choice B reason: Weight management is promoted by taking daily walks for thirty minutes is correct information. Weight management can lower blood pressure by reducing body fat, improving blood circulation, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week.
Choice C reason: Salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet is correct information. Salt substitutes can reduce sodium intake by replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride or other minerals. The nurse should advise the client to use salt substitutes sparingly and consult with their healthcare provider before using them if they have kidney disease or take certain medications that affect potassium levels.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure readings should be taken at noontime is incorrect information. Blood pressure readings should be taken at different times of the day, preferably in the morning and evening, to monitor fluctuations and trends. The nurse should advise the client to use a home blood pressure monitor that is accurate and calibrated and follow proper techniques for measuring blood pressure.
Choice E reason: Sodium intake can be regulated by limiting canned foods in the diet is correct information. Sodium intake can increase blood pressure by causing fluid retention and increasing vascular resistance. The nurse should advise the client to limit sodium intake to no more than 2300 mg per day and avoid processed foods that are high in sodium, such as canned foods, soups, sauces, and snacks.
Choice F reason: Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage is correct information. Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function and chronic kidney disease. The nurse should advise the client to follow their prescribed treatment plan and monitor their blood pressure regularly.
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