Which patient should the nurse assess first after receiving a change-of-shift report?
A patient with a scheduled physical therapy session in 1 hour.
A patient with a routine follow-up appointment for a non-urgent condition.
A patient with altered mental status and confusion.
A patient with moderate pleuritis and requesting pain medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While this patient is scheduled for a physical therapy session, it is not an urgent concern that would require immediate attention.
B. A routine follow-up appointment for a non-urgent condition can be managed at a later time and does not take priority over more acute concerns.
C. A patient with altered mental status and confusion should be assessed first. This could indicate a serious underlying issue such as infection, hypoxia, or a neurological condition. Altered mental status in any patient warrants immediate attention to prevent further complications.
D. Although the patient with pleuritis is in pain, moderate pleuritis is typically not an urgent condition, and pain management can be provided after more pressing concerns are addressed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) may cause symptoms like heartburn or dysphagia, but it would not explain the sudden, sharp pain or rigid abdomen seen with a perforated ulcer.
B. An intestinal obstruction can cause abdominal pain and distension, but the rigid, board-like abdomen is more characteristic of peritonitis from a perforated ulcer, not an obstruction.
C. Additional ulcers could cause pain and bleeding, but they would not explain the sudden, sharp pain and rigid abdomen that typically result from perforation.
D. The sudden onset of sharp, severe pain in the mid epigastric area, along with a rigid, board-like abdomen, are hallmark signs of a perforated ulcer, which causes peritonitis. This is a medical emergency, as the perforation allows gastric contents to leak into the peritoneal cavity, leading to widespread infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A fever following an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be a sign of a serious complication, such as perforation, which could cause peritonitis. The nurse should promptly assess the client for other signs of perforation, such as abdominal pain, rigidity, or changes in vital signs. This is a critical and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
B. While it is important to ensure accurate temperature readings, a fever of 101.8°F in a post-procedural patient is concerning and warrants further investigation rather than just retaking the temperature. It may indicate a complication such as infection or perforation.
C. Administering acetaminophen to reduce the fever is not the first step. The nurse should prioritize investigating the underlying cause of the fever, as it could indicate a more serious complication like perforation, which would not be resolved by medication alone.
D. Bathing the client with tap water is not appropriate. A fever after a procedure should be investigated thoroughly rather than treated symptomatically without understanding the cause. The nurse should focus on assessing for complications first.
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