When the nurse enters the room of a male client who was admitted for a fractured femur, his cardiac monitor displays a normal sinus rhythm (NSR), but he has no spontaneous respirations and his carotid pulse is not palpable. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Observe for swelling at the fracture site.
Analyze the cardiac rhythm in another lead.
Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Begin chest compressions at 100/minute.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D: Begin chest compressions at 100/minute.
Choice A rationale:
Observing for swelling at the fracture site is not immediately relevant in this emergency situation. The priority is to address the lack of pulse and respiration.
Choice B rationale:
Analyzing the cardiac rhythm in another lead is unnecessary when the patient has no pulse and is not breathing. Immediate life-saving measures are required.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the priority in this scenario. The patient needs immediate resuscitation efforts.
Choice D rationale:
Beginning chest compressions at 100/minute is the correct intervention. The absence of a carotid pulse and spontaneous respirations indicates cardiac arrest, and chest compressions are essential to maintain circulation and oxygenation until further help arrives.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect - Initiating continuous dopamine infusion is not a priority in this situation. The client's low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances require more immediate attention.
B) Incorrect - Administering promethazine addresses symptoms like nausea and vomiting, but it doesn't address the primary issue of hypovolemia and low blood pressure.
C) Incorrect - Administering potassium chloride without addressing the fluid deficit can be dangerous and may lead to further electrolyte imbalances.
D) Correct- The client's vital signs and laboratory results indicate hypovolemia (low blood pressure, low sodium, and low potassium). The immediate priority is to address the fluid deficit and correct the electrolyte imbalances. Administering a bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) will help increase intravascular volume and improve blood pressure, as well as correct the electrolyte imbalances to some extent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A low serum creatinine level indicates decreased muscle mass or impaired kidney function. However, it does not necessarily indicate that the 24-hour creatinine clearance test should be withheld or delayed.
Initiating the urine collection as prescribed allows for the accurate assessment of creatinine clearance and provides valuable information about the client's kidney function. The test results can help guide further evaluation and management of the client's condition.
Assessing the client's serum BUN level, notifying the healthcare provider of the results, or assessing for signs of hypokalemia may be relevant in certain situations but are not the immediate priority based on the information provided.
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