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 D
Explanation
A. Protective isolation is not directly related to the symptoms of ecchymoses and petechiae but is more relevant for preventing infections in immunocompromised clients.
B. Measures to prevent venous thromboembolism are not the immediate concern given the bleeding symptoms; instead, managing platelet levels and bleeding risks is more critical.
C. Droplet precautions are not indicated based on the described symptoms, which are more related to bleeding disorders rather than infectious conditions requiring droplet precautions.
D. Checking the client's most recent platelet level is the most appropriate action because ecchymoses and petechiae are signs of potential thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is common in leukemia. Monitoring platelet levels will help determine if there is a need for interventions to address bleeding risks.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Labrynthitis is an inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, but it does not typically involve otorrhea (ear discharge) or the sudden resolution of ear pain.
B. A perforated tympanic membrane is characterized by a sudden relief of ear pain when the eardrum ruptures, often accompanied by otorrhea (discharge from the ear). This condition is typically the result of an infection that increases pressure in the middle ear until the eardrum bursts.
C. Meniere disease involves episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss, but does not usually present with ear pain followed by discharge.
D. Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, involves inflammation of the ear canal with symptoms like pain, itching, and discharge, but does not cause the sudden resolution of pain following the onset of otorrhea.
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