You are caring for a client in the ED with B/P 254/139 mm Hg. Which of the following actions would you take first?
Elevate the head of the client’s bed
Contact the Rapid Response Team
Tell the client to report vision changes
Insert a peripheral IV
Initiate seizure precautions
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Elevating the head of the client’s bed can help reduce blood pressure slightly by promoting venous return and decreasing intracranial pressure. However, this action alone is not sufficient to address the severe hypertension (254/139 mm Hg) the client is experiencing. Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, or organ damage.
Choice B reason:
Contacting the Rapid Response Team is the highest priority action. The Rapid Response Team is trained to handle critical situations and can provide immediate interventions to stabilize the client’s condition. Severe hypertension at this level requires urgent medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. The team can administer medications to lower blood pressure quickly and monitor the client closely.
Choice C reason:
Telling the client to report vision changes is important because vision changes can indicate hypertensive retinopathy or increased intracranial pressure. However, this action is not the immediate priority. The client’s blood pressure needs to be controlled urgently to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason:
Inserting a peripheral IV is necessary for administering medications and fluids. While this is an important step, it should follow the immediate action of contacting the Rapid Response Team. The team can then use the IV access to administer antihypertensive medications promptly.
Choice E reason:
Initiating seizure precautions is important because severe hypertension can lead to seizures. However, this action is not the first priority. The primary focus should be on stabilizing the client’s blood pressure through immediate medical intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pink frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, which can occur as a result of oxygen toxicity. When the alveoli in the lungs fill with fluid, it can lead to this type of sputum. This is a critical indicator that the client is experiencing severe respiratory distress and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: Substernal discomfort or chest pain is another symptom of oxygen toxicity. This discomfort arises due to the irritation and inflammation of the lung tissues caused by high levels of oxygen. It is essential to monitor and address this symptom promptly to prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: Nail clubbing is typically associated with chronic hypoxia and long-term lung diseases, but it is not an acute indicator of oxygen toxicity. Therefore, it is not relevant in this context.
Choice D reason: Restlessness is a common early sign of hypoxia and can also indicate oxygen toxicity. When the brain does not receive adequate oxygen, it can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation. This symptom should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
Choice E reason: Cyanosis at the nail beds indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, but it is not specific to oxygen toxicity. It can occur in various conditions where there is inadequate oxygenation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Baclofen is primarily used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain1. It acts on the spinal cord nerves to decrease the number and severity of muscle spasms, thereby improving muscle movement2. The effectiveness of baclofen in managing multiple sclerosis symptoms is best evaluated by assessing the reduction in muscle spasms.
Choice B reason:
While mood and affect are important aspects of a patient’s overall well-being, they are not the primary indicators of baclofen’s effectiveness. Baclofen does not have a direct impact on mood and affect, as its main function is to relieve muscle spasms and improve muscle movement.
Choice C reason:
Appetite is not a primary concern when evaluating the effectiveness of baclofen. This medication is not known to significantly affect appetite. The main therapeutic goal of baclofen is to reduce muscle spasms and improve mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Choice D reason:
Sleep pattern, although important for overall health, is not the primary measure of baclofen’s effectiveness. Baclofen’s primary role is to alleviate muscle spasms and improve muscle function. While it may have some impact on sleep due to its muscle-relaxing properties, this is not the main criterion for evaluating its effectiveness.
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