A nurse in the emergency room is caring for a client who presents with manifestations that indicate a myocardial infarction. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse take first?
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Insert the IV catheter.
Obtain a blood sample.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is: B. Initiate oxygen therapy.
Choice A reason:
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, it is not the first priority. Ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen is more critical to prevent further myocardial damage. The ECG can be performed immediately after oxygen therapy is initiated to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.
Choice B reason:
Initiating oxygen therapy is the first priority because it ensures that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen, which is essential to prevent further damage during a myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy helps to maintain tissue oxygenation and can reduce the extent of myocardial injury. This immediate intervention is vital to stabilize the patient and improve outcomes.
Choice C reason:
Inserting the IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the first step. Oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure the heart and other vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Once oxygen is administered, IV access can be established to facilitate further treatment.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for confirming the diagnosis and assessing cardiac markers. However, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring the patient is oxygenated is more urgent to prevent further myocardial damage. Blood samples can be drawn after oxygen therapy is initiated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Ask the client to shrug his shoulders against passive resistance is not an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. This assessment will test the function of cranial nerve XI, which is the accessory nerve. The accessory nerve innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are involved in shoulder and neck movements.
Choice B: Instruct the client to look up and down without moving his head is an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. Cranial nerve III is the oculomotor nerve, which innervates four of the six extraocular muscles that control eye movements. The oculomotor nerve also controls pupil size and lens shape. By instructing the client to look up and down without moving his head, the nurse can assess the ability of the oculomotor nerve to move the eyes vertically and adjust to different distances.
Choice C: Observe the client's ability to smile and frown is not an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. This assessment will test the function of cranial nerve VII, which is the facial nerve. The facial nerve innervates the muscles of facial expression, which are involved in smiling, frowning, blinking, and other facial movements.
Choice D: Have the client stand with his eyes closed and touch his nose is not an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. This assessment will test the function of cranial nerve VIII, which is the vestibulocochlear nerve. The vestibulocochlear nerve innervates the inner ear and is responsible for hearing and balance. By having the client stand with his eyes closed and touch his nose, the nurse can assess the ability of the vestibulocochlear nerve to maintain equilibrium and coordination.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Carvedilol is not a medication that interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. Carvedilol does not affect kidney function or contrast excretion, but it can cause hypotension, bradycardia, or heart failure in some clients.
Choice B: Nitroglycerin is not a medication that interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin does not affect kidney function or contrast excretion, but it can cause hypotension, headache, or flushing in some clients.
Choice C: Atorvastatin is not a medication that interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury. Atorvastatin is a statin that lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. Atorvastatin does not affect kidney function or contrast excretion, but it can cause liver damage, muscle pain, or rhabdomyolysis in some clients.
Choice D: Metformin is a medication that interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug that lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity. Metformin can accumulate in the kidneys and cause lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of lactic acid in the blood. Contrast material can worsen kidney function and increase the risk of lactic acidosis in clients taking metformin. Therefore, metformin should be discontinued before and after the procedure as prescribed.

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