A nurse administered a dose of penicillin to a client 30 minutes ago. The client reports that she has hives and is itching. Which of the following statements by the nurse is the highest priority?
"I'm going to take your heart rate."
"Are you having difficulty breathing?"
"I need to give you diphenhydramine."
"Do you have any allergies to medications?"
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Taking the heart rate is important, but it is not the highest priority when a client is showing signs of a possible allergic reaction.
Choice B reason: Difficulty breathing may indicate a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.
Choice C reason: While administering diphenhydramine is an appropriate action for hives and itching, it is not the highest priority if the client is having difficulty breathing.
Choice D reason: Asking about allergies is important for future reference but does not address the immediate concern of a potential allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A. Respiratory rate
Reason: After thoracentesis, it's crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory rate. An increased respiratory rate could indicate respiratory distress. In this case, the respiratory rate is 26/min, which is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute for an adult at rest). Therefore, the nurse should notify the provider about this finding.
Choice B. Blood pressure
Reason: The blood pressure of the patient is 110/76 mm Hg, which falls within the normal range (90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg). Therefore, there is no need for the nurse to notify the provider about the patient's blood pressure.
Choice C. Hematocrit
Reason: The hematocrit level is 43%, which is within the normal range (38.8% to 50.0% for males, and 34.9% to 44.5% for females). Therefore, there is no need for the nurse to notify the provider about the patient's hematocrit level².
Choice D. PCO2
Reason: The PCO2 level is 37 mm Hg, which is within the normal range (35 to 45 mm Hg). Therefore, there is no need for the nurse to notify the provider about the patient's PCO2 level.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: The fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line
The point of maximal impulse (PMI), also known as the apical impulse, is usually located in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. This is the point on the precordium farthest outwards (laterally) and downwards (inferiorly) from the sternum at which the cardiac impulse can be felt.
Choice B: The first intercostal space at the sternal border
The first intercostal space at the sternal border is not typically the location of the PMI. The PMI is usually located in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Choice C: The second intercostal space at the sternal border
The second intercostal space at the sternal border is not typically the location of the PMI. The PMI is usually located in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
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.
