A nurse in an antepartum unit is triaging clients.
Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and reports a cough and fever.
A client who is at 14 weeks of gestation and reports nausea and vomiting.
A client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and reports painless vaginal bleeding.
A client who has missed a period and reports vaginal spotting.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A cough and fever in a client at 38 weeks of gestation could indicate an infection, which should be addressed promptly. However, it is not as immediately life-threatening as painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation, which could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption.
Choice B rationale
Nausea and vomiting at 14 weeks of gestation are common symptoms of early pregnancy and, while uncomfortable, are not usually a sign of a serious problem. This client should be seen, but not before a client with a potentially life-threatening condition like painless vaginal bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation is a serious symptom that could indicate placental abruption, a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus, which can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. This client should be seen first.
Choice D rationale
Vaginal spotting in a client who has missed a period could indicate early pregnancy or a number of other conditions. While this client should be seen to confirm the cause of the spotting, it is not as immediately urgent as painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks of gestation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority nursing action in this situation. While it may be necessary later in the care process, it is not the immediate concern when the client is experiencing a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. The priority is to stabilize the client and ensure the well-being of the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Witnessing the signature for informed consent for surgery is an important step before any surgical procedure. However, it is not the priority nursing action in this situation. The client’s condition could deteriorate rapidly due to the bleeding, and immediate medical interventions are necessary to stabilize the client and fetus.
Choice C rationale
Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas may be necessary if the client requires a surgical intervention. However, this is not the priority nursing action. The client is experiencing significant bleeding, and the priority is to stabilize the client’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Initiating IV access is the priority nursing action in this situation. The client is experiencing a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding, which could lead to hypovolemia and shock. IV access allows for the rapid administration of fluids and medications to stabilize the client’s condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The symptoms described by the client do not typically align with conditions that would lead to Anticipate A. Anticipate A might be expected for a different set of symptoms or conditions.
Choice B rationale
The symptoms described by the client do not typically align with conditions that would lead to Anticipate B. Anticipate B might be expected for a different set of symptoms or conditions.
Choice C rationale
The symptoms described by the client do not typically align with conditions that would lead to Anticipate C. Anticipate C might be expected for a different set of symptoms or conditions.
Choice D rationale
The client’s symptoms of recent painful sores on the perineum, muscle aches, and chills, along with current discomfort when sitting and mild vaginal itching, could suggest a herpes simplex virus infection or another type of infection. Anticipate D might be an antiviral medication or other treatment to address the suspected condition.
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