A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has anaphylaxis following a bee sting. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain pulmonary function tests
Assess the client's blood pressure
Administer epinephrine
Assess the client's level of consciousness
The Correct Answer is C
A. Obtaining pulmonary function tests can help assess the extent of respiratory involvement but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation like anaphylaxis.
B. Assessing blood pressure is important to monitor for signs of shock, but administering epinephrine takes precedence in treating anaphylaxis.
C. Administering epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine rapidly reverses the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as airway constriction and low blood pressure, making it the highest priority intervention.
D. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is important but should occur after the administration of epinephrine, which is critical in reversing the anaphylactic reaction.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The first priority in this situation is to open the client's airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver. This technique is preferred for clients with suspected spinal injuries to avoid further spinal cord damage. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation are immediate life-saving actions.
B. Checking cranial nerve function, including assessing pupils, is important for evaluating neurological status but is not the first action when the client is not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation is the priority.
C. While placing the client in a rigid cervical collar is important for stabilizing the spine and preventing further injury, it should be done after ensuring the airway is clear. The immediate concern is to address the client's non-breathing status.
D. Evaluating the client for brain injury is important for overall assessment but is secondary to addressing the immediate life threat of not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and then stabilizing the spine is the priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Current anticoagulant use is crucial to assess before administering t-PA because combining t-PA with anticoagulants can significantly increase the risk of bleeding complications. It is essential to ensure that the client is not on medications that could interact adversely with t-PA.
B. While blood pressure is important to monitor, it is secondary to assessing anticoagulant use since high blood pressure alone does not contraindicate t-PA administration.
C. A complete neurologic assessment is important for determining the extent of the stroke but is not the immediate priority before administering t-PA.
D. While treatment for peptic ulcer disease is relevant, it is not directly related to the immediate risk factors for t-PA administration compared to anticoagulant use.
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