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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring abdominal girth is not a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. However, it may be useful for monitoring fluid status and abdominal distension.
Choice B reason: Assessing perineal area is not a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. However, it may be important for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection.
Choice D reason: Palpating flank area is not a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. However, it may be helpful for detecting kidney tenderness or enlargement.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: An abdominal binder can be worn daily to reduce the protrusion is not a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is not an effective or recommended method to treat a hernia. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: This hernia is a normal variation that resolves without treatment is a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this refers to an umbilical hernia, which is a common and harmless condition in infants that usually disappears by age 2. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C: The quarter should be secured with an elastic bandage wrap is not a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is a folk remedy that has no scientific basis and can cause skin irritation and infection. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D: Restrictive clothing will be adequate to help the hernia go away is not a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is not a proven or safe way to treat a hernia. This is another distractor choice.
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