A client with a history of emphysema and heart failure is admitted to the emergency department with enema, coughing, and shortness of breath. The client's laboratory value for brain natriuretic peptide is elevated. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?
Administer IV furosemide.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Monitor for telemetry ST segment changes.
Give a bronchodilator per inhaler.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Administering IV furosemide (a diuretic) is crucial for managing the client's symptoms of fluid overload, as indicated by enema and elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Furosemide helps reduce the volume of fluid in the body, relieving symptoms of heart failure and improving breathing. It addresses the most urgent need for the client.
Choice B reason: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter might be necessary for accurate measurement of urine output, especially in a client receiving diuretic therapy. However, it is not the most immediate intervention needed to stabilize the client's condition.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for telemetry ST segment changes is important for clients with cardiac conditions. While it is necessary for ongoing assessment, it does not address the immediate need to relieve fluid overload and improve the client's respiratory status.
Choice D reason: Giving a bronchodilator per inhaler can help with respiratory symptoms related to emphysema. However, in this scenario, the primary issue is fluid overload due to heart failure, which needs to be addressed first with diuretic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Determining if the client is using an inhaler before exercising is the most immediate and relevant action. Inhalers, particularly bronchodilators, can help prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by relaxing the airway muscles and reducing mucus production.
Choice B reason: Assessing the client for signs and symptoms of upper airway infection is important but may not be directly related to the episodes triggered by exercise. This action might be more appropriate if there are other indications of infection.
Choice C reason: Reviewing the client's routine asthma management prescriptions is a good practice, but it should come after addressing the immediate concern of managing exercise-induced symptoms. Ensuring proper inhaler use can have a more immediate impact.
Choice D reason: Teaching the client to use pursed-lip breathing when episodes occur is useful for managing dyspneal but does not address the prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction as effectively as using an inhaler.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reviewing the client's fluid intake prior to bedtime is important for managing nocturia, but it does not address the immediate concern of urinary retention and difficulty starting the urinary stream.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose level is relevant for diagnosing diabetes, which can cause increased urination. However, it does not directly address the current urinary symptoms.
Choice C reason: Collecting a urine specimen for culture analysis can help identify a urinary tract infection, but it does not provide immediate assessment information regarding the client's bladder status.
Choice D reason: Palpating the bladder above the symphysis pubis is the most immediate and relevant intervention. This assessment helps determine if the bladder is distended, indicating urinary retention, which is a common issue in older adult males and can cause the symptoms described.
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