A 55-year-old man presents to the health nurse at his workplace with epistaxis. He reports he has had four nosebleeds today, and he is concerned because he can usually control the bleeding himself. What would be the most helpful assessment after the nurse has stopped the bleeding?
Record the amount of blood loss
Ask about the last episode of bleeding and how long it took to stop.
Check the client's vital signs
Inquire if the client had a headache along with the bleeding.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Record the amount of blood loss: While important for documentation, patients often cannot accurately estimate blood loss, especially with nasal bleeding. This step is secondary to assessing the client’s current physiological status following multiple episodes.
B. Ask about the last episode of bleeding and how long it took to stop: This can provide useful information for identifying patterns, but it does not assess the client’s immediate condition or potential complications like hypovolemia or hypertension.
C. Check the client's vital signs: Vital signs offer immediate insight into the client’s circulatory and respiratory status. Multiple episodes of epistaxis in one day could indicate hemodynamic instability or uncontrolled hypertension, making this the priority assessment.
D. Inquire if the client had a headache along with the bleeding: A headache could be associated with elevated blood pressure or sinus involvement, but it is not the most urgent concern after repeated nosebleeds. Assessing vital signs takes precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Initiate and maintain supplemental oxygen as prescribed: Supplemental oxygen helps improve oxygenation but does not directly address the underlying issue of retained secretions. Oxygen delivery is important, but secretion removal is the priority when the airway is obstructed.
B. Plan activities with rest periods to conserve oxygen needs: While energy conservation is useful for managing oxygen demand in alert clients, it does not apply to an unresponsive client. Additionally, it does not assist with clearing the airway or managing retained secretions.
C. Provide nasotracheal suctioning as needed to remove secretions: Suctioning is the most appropriate intervention for an unresponsive client with retained secretions, as they are unable to cough or clear their own airway. This intervention directly supports airway clearance and improves ventilation.
D. Monitor oxygenation (the oxygen saturation [SaO2]) during activity: Monitoring oxygen saturation is helpful for evaluating respiratory status, but this intervention does not address the immediate problem of retained secretions compromising airway clearance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Place a mask over the patient's nose and mouth:When a patient with active TB leaves the isolation room, they must wear a surgical mask to prevent airborne transmission. This protects others from inhaling Mycobacterium tuberculosisin shared spaces.
B. Notify the x-ray department that the test must be cancelled:There is no need to cancel the diagnostic test. Proper precautions like masking the patient enable safe transport and continuation of necessary medical care.
C. Place a gown and gloves on the patient:Gowns and gloves are used for contact precautions, not airborne. TB transmission is airborne, and a surgical mask is the appropriate protective measure for the patient not gowning or gloving.
D. Call the x-ray department to make sure the waiting room is empty:While minimizing exposure is ideal, it is not sufficient or necessary if the patient wears a mask. Standard protocol centers on masking the patient and notifying departments of isolation status, not on room occupancy control.
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