A nurse is administering nicardipine to a client who has a BP of 180/120 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check for orthostatic hypertension.
Assist the client to make lifestyle changes.
Instruct the client to restrict sodium intake.
Monitor the client's BP every 5 minutes.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Check for orthostatic hypotension. While important, checking for orthostatic hypotension is not the priority action in a hypertensive emergency, where rapid blood pressure reduction is necessary.
B. Assist the client to make lifestyle changes. Assisting the client with lifestyle changes is part of long-term blood pressure management but is not a priority action when administering nicardipine for acute hypertension.
C. Instruct the client to restrict sodium intake. Sodium restriction is a key component of managing hypertension but is not the priority action during an acute hypertensive crisis.
D. Monitor the client's BP every 5 minutes. In a hypertensive crisis, frequent monitoring of the client’s blood pressure is essential to ensure the medication is lowering blood pressure safely and effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Neurological assessment: The neurological assessment indicates the client is alert and oriented, which is good; however, it does not require immediate follow-up.
B. Vital signs: The vital signs indicate an elevated heart rate (138/min), elevated respiratory rate (28/min), and borderline low blood pressure (96/75 mm Hg). These findings suggest potential hemodynamic instability and require immediate attention to assess the underlying cause and determine the appropriate interventions.
C. Basic Metabolic Profile (BMP) laboratory report: The BMP is largely within normal limits except for the glucose level (148 mg/dL), which is slightly elevated but not critically so. There is no urgent need for follow-up based on the BMP findings unless other symptoms arise.
D. Cardiac enzymes laboratory report: The troponin level is elevated (10.1 ng/mL), indicating myocardial injury, which requires immediate follow-up to assess the risk of acute coronary syndrome or worsening heart failure. This is a critical finding that warrants further evaluation.
E. B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) laboratory report: The BNP level is significantly elevated at 800 ng/mL, indicating worsening heart failure. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the client's condition and determine appropriate management strategies.
F. Respiratory assessment: The respiratory assessment shows an elevated respiratory rate (28/min) and oxygen saturation at 93% on supplemental oxygen. The presence of pink-tinged sputum may indicate pulmonary congestion or possible pulmonary edema, necessitating immediate follow-up.
G. ECG report: The ECG shows atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response (RVR) at a rate of 135/min. This irregular heart rate can lead to decreased cardiac output and increased risk of thromboembolic events, requiring immediate follow-up to manage the heart rate and rhythm appropriately.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury: While providing emotional support to family members is important, this is not the first priority. The immediate concern should be a potential physical complication in a client.
B. Collecting data from a client who reports unilateral calf pain when ambulating: Unilateral calf pain can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to a pulmonary embolism if left untreated. This is the most urgent situation and requires immediate assessment.
C. Taking a telephone prescription for a client who is to be transferred from PACU: While transferring a client requires coordination, it is not as urgent as assessing for potential life-threatening complications, such as DVT.
D. Reinforcing a client's dressing on an above-the-knee amputation surgical site: While it is important to manage the surgical site, the client with potential DVT requires more immediate attention due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
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