A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using methamphetamine. Vital signs are blood pressure 164/94 mm Hg. heart rate 136 beats/min and irregular, and respirations 32 breaths/min. Which action by the nurse is most important?
Reorient the patient at frequent intervals.
Monitor the patient's electrocardiogram.
Keep the patient in a quiet and darkened room.
Obtain a health history including prior drug use.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Methamphetamine use can cause significant cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Given the patient's presentation with an irregular heart rate and tachycardia, continuous cardiac monitoring through an ECG is essential to assess for any life-threatening arrhythmias or other cardiac complications.
A. Reorientation is important for patients who are disoriented, but in the case of a patient who has admitted to using methamphetamine and is exhibiting signs of agitation and tachycardia, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and stabilize their condition.
C. While providing a calm environment is beneficial for patients who are agitated, it is not the most important action in this scenario.
D. Obtaining a comprehensive health history, including prior drug use, is important for understanding the patient's background and potential risk factors. However, in this acute situation where the patient is disoriented, agitated, and exhibiting signs of cardiovascular distress, the priority is to address the immediate medical needs and stabilize the patient's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Alcohol consumption, especially beer and spirits, is associated with an increased risk of gout attacks as it can elevate uric acid levels in the body. Limiting alcohol intake can help prevent gout attacks.
A. While adequate hydration is important for overall health, limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day may not be appropriate, especially considering that hydration can help prevent gout attacks.
C. While aspirin is commonly used for pain relief, it is not typically recommended for gout management.
D. High-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood can exacerbate gout symptoms by increasing uric acid levels in the body. Therefore, closely following a high-purine diet would likely worsen gout symptoms rather than improve them.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Synthetic casts are indeed lighter in weight compared to plaster casts. This lighter weight can improve patient comfort and mobility during the healing process.
A. Plaster casts typically do not require expensive equipment for application. The materials needed for applying a plaster cast are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most healthcare settings.
B. Both the synthetic and plaster casts have relatively equal efficacy in fracture immobilization.
D. Synthetic casts typically have a shorter drying time compared to plaster casts. They may dry within 10 to 30 minutes, whereas plaster casts can take longer, often several hours, to fully dry and harden.
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