While ambulating in the hallway following an appendectomy yesterday, a client complains of chest tightness and shortness of breath. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?
Have the client sit down in the hall.
Assist the client back to the room.
Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.
Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: Have the client sit down in the hall.
Choice A rationale: The PN should first have the client sit down to help alleviate the client's chest tightness and shortness of breath. Sitting down allows for better lung expansion and reduces the risk of falling due to dizziness or lightheadedness. This is the most appropriate initial action in response to the client's complaint.
Choice B rationale: While assisting the client back to their room is important, the PN should first ensure that the client is sitting down to help manage their symptoms. After the client is seated and more stable, the PN can then assist them back to their room for further assessment and intervention.
Choice C rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin may be appropriate if the client is experiencing cardiac-related chest pain. However, the PN should first have the client sit down and gather more information about their symptoms before administering any medications.
Choice D rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram can help assess the client's cardiac status, but it is not the first action that the PN should take in this situation. Ensuring the client's safety and managing their symptoms are immediate priorities. The PN can consider obtaining an electrocardiogram after addressing the client's immediate needs and assessing their condition further.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is
Choice D rationale:
The practical nurse (PN) should review the client's risk factors for exercise intolerance that impact his quality of life. By doing so, the PN can assess the client's overall health and identify any potential issues that might contribute to his fatigue. This response shows the PN's concern for the client's well-being and is focused on exploring the root cause of his tiredness.
Choice A rationale:
Determining if the client can move to a residential home without lawn maintenance is not appropriate in response to his complaint about feeling tired. This option does not address the underlying issue and assumes the client is unable to care for his own lawn, which may not be the case.
Choice B rationale:
Recommending that the client retires from doing outdoor chores is also not appropriate. It assumes the client's fatigue is solely due to his age and disregards the possibility of other contributing factors that might be addressed.
Choice C rationale:
Advising the client that fatigue is a common characteristic of aging is not a comprehensive response. While fatigue can be related to aging, it is crucial to explore the specific reasons for the client's tiredness before assuming it is solely age-related.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the best action for the PN to implement because it addresses the client's question and provides an opportunity to educate the client about fecal diversion surgery and its outcomes. The PN should review the type, location, and appearance of the surgical opening (stoma) and explain how it will affect the client's elimination and body image.
B. Verifying that the client had nothing by mouth (NPO) for the past 24 hours is not relevant to the client's question and does not provide any information or support.
C. Asking the client if he finished the bowel sterilization prescription is not relevant to the client's question and does not provide any information or support.
D. Determining if this is the first indwelling catheter the client has had is not relevant to the client's question and does not provide any information or support.
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