A client is being transferred to the medical-surgical unit from the PACU after receiving general anesthesia for a procedure. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse when the client arrives on the unit?
Assess airway patency
Check the dressing to assess bleeding.
Check tubes or drains for patency.
Assess all vital signs.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assess airway patency: Ensuring the airway is patent is the highest priority because compromised airway patency can lead to life-threatening respiratory complications. This is the first step in the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) of emergency and postoperative care.
B. Check the dressing to assess bleeding: While assessing the dressing for bleeding is important, it is secondary to ensuring the client has a patent airway. Uncontrolled bleeding can be addressed after confirming the client can breathe adequately.
C. Check tubes or drains for patency: Checking tubes and drains for patency is also important, but it should be done after ensuring the client's airway is secure. This step is essential for preventing complications but is not as immediately critical as airway assessment.
D. Assess all vital signs: Assessing vital signs is crucial, but it follows after ensuring airway patency. Vital signs provide comprehensive information about the client's status, but an obstructed airway must be addressed first to ensure effective breathing and oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L: This indicates hypokalemia, which is a common electrolyte imbalance associated with diuretic therapy, particularly with loop diuretics.
B. Sodium 125 mEq/L: This indicates hyponatremia, another possible electrolyte imbalance resulting from diuretic use.
C. Potassium 4.6 mEq/L: This is within the normal range and does not indicate an imbalance.
D. Sodium 139 mEq/L: This is within the normal range and does not indicate an imbalance.
E. Magnesium 2.1 mEq/L: This is within the normal range and does not indicate an imbalance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene): This is the correct choice. Kayexalate is used to treat hyperkalemia (high serum potassium levels) by facilitating the removal of excess potassium from the body through the gastrointestinal tract.
B. Potassium chloride: This is used to treat hypokalemia (low potassium levels), not hyperkalemia.
C. Sodium bicarbonate: This can be used to correct metabolic acidosis and may indirectly help with potassium levels, but it is not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia.
D. Aldactone (spironolactone): This is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels, which would be contraindicated in the case of hyperkalemia.
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