A client admitted to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease is vomiting and describing epigastric pain and nausea. After obtaining vital sign measurements, which prescription should the nurse implement first?
Insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attach to low intermittent suction.
Give a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3° C).
Place an indwelling urinary catheter and attach a bedside drainage unit.
Send the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Inserting a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attaching to low intermittent suction is the priority intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. This can help decompress the stomach, remove gastric contents, prevent further bleeding, and relieve the symptoms. The NGT should be inserted carefully and checked for proper placement before suctioning.
Choice B reason: Giving a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101°F (38.3° C) is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. Temperature elevation can indicate infection or inflammation, which can be treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, analgesics can have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as irritation, ulceration, or bleeding. Analgesics should be given cautiously and after the cause of the fever is identified.
Choice C reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and attaching a bedside drainage unit is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. Urinary catheterization can help monitor the fluid balance, renal function, and blood loss of the client, but it is not a priority in this situation. Urinary catheterization can also pose risks of infection, trauma, or obstruction, and should be avoided unless necessary.
Choice D reason: Sending the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen is not the first intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease who is vomiting and experiencing epigastric pain and nausea. X-ray can help diagnose the location and extent of the ulcer, perforation, or obstruction, but it is not a priority in this situation. X-ray can also expose the client to radiation, which can be harmful, and should be done only after the client is stabilized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Explaining the specific reason for urgent notification is important, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a PRN prescription for acetaminophen for fever over 101° F (38.3° C) is a possible recommendation that the nurse can make, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.
Choice C reason: Prefacing the report by stating the client’s name and admitting diagnosis is the first information that the nurse should provide, according to the SBAR communication process. This helps to establish the identity and context of the client and the situation.
Choice D reason: Communicating the pre-transfusion temperatures is part of the assessment that the nurse should provide, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: White blood cell count and pulse rate are not the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are not directly related to the AAA or the low back pain. White blood cell count is a measure of the immune system activity, and it may be elevated in cases of infection or inflammation, but it is not specific to AAA. Pulse rate is a measure of the heart rate, and it may be increased in cases of anxiety, pain, or shock, but it is not indicative of AAA.
Choice B reason: Hematocrit and blood pressure are the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are directly related to the AAA and the low back pain. Hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, and it may be decreased in cases of bleeding or anemia, which can occur if the AAA ruptures or leaks. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries, and it may be increased in cases of hypertension or stress, which can worsen the AAA or cause it to rupture. The nurse should monitor the client's hematocrit and blood pressure closely and report any changes to the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Calcium level and skin condition are not the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are not directly related to the AAA or the low back pain. Calcium level is a measure of the amount of calcium in the blood, and it may be abnormal in cases of bone disorders, kidney disorders, or parathyroid disorders, but it is not relevant to AAA. Skin condition is a general term that can describe the appearance, texture, color, or temperature of the skin, and it may be altered in cases of infection, allergy, or injury, but it is not specific to AAA.
Choice D reason: Serum amylase and level of consciousness are not the most important information about the client that the nurse should tell the healthcare provider, because they are not directly related to the AAA or the low back pain. Serum amylase is a measure of the amount of amylase, an enzyme that digests starch, in the blood, and it may be elevated in cases of pancreatitis, gallstones, or intestinal obstruction, but it is not associated with AAA. Level of consciousness is a measure of the client's mental status, alertness, and responsiveness, and it may be impaired in cases of brain injury, stroke, or coma, but it is not indicative of AAA.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
