A nurse is assessing a client who has early symptoms of hypoxia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Cyanosis

Hypotension

Bradycardia

Tachycardia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Cyanosis:
Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, typically occurs with severe hypoxia or oxygen deprivation, usually when oxygen saturation levels drop below 85%. Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia, not an early sign. In the early stages of hypoxia, the body attempts to compensate, and cyanosis does not typically appear until oxygen levels are significantly low.

B) Hypotension:
While hypotension can be a consequence of severe or prolonged hypoxia, it is generally a late sign. In the early stages of hypoxia, the body compensates through mechanisms such as tachycardia and vasoconstriction, so hypotension would not be expected at this stage. Hypotension in a hypoxic patient usually signals progression to severe respiratory or circulatory failure.

C) Bradycardia:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with early hypoxia. Instead, the body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen levels by increasing heart rate (tachycardia) in the early stages. Bradycardia can occur in more severe stages of hypoxia, particularly if the body begins to struggle with compensating or if the patient progresses to a more critical state. However, it is not an early sign of hypoxia.

D) Tachycardia:
Tachycardia (an elevated heart rate) is an early compensatory mechanism that the body employs when oxygen levels are insufficient. The heart increases its rate to pump more blood (and thus oxygen) to vital organs and tissues. Tachycardia is one of the earliest signs of hypoxia and occurs as the body attempts to compensate for the decreased oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Prepare the client for mechanical ventilation:
A myasthenic crisis is a medical emergency characterized by severe weakness of the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure. This can result from insufficient levels of acetylcholine due to insufficient medication (e.g., pyridostigmine) or from an infection. In such cases, airway support is the priority. The nurse should first prepare the client for potential mechanical ventilation to ensure they can breathe properly and to prevent respiratory arrest.

B) Instruct the client to perform pursed-lip breathing:
While pursed-lip breathing is a useful technique to help with shortness of breath and improve ventilation in certain respiratory conditions (like COPD), it is not the first action in managing a myasthenic crisis. The immediate priority is to ensure the client can breathe and maintain oxygenation, which may require mechanical ventilation if the respiratory muscles are too weak to support breathing effectively.

C) Prepare to administer IVIG:
IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) can be used in the treatment of myasthenic crisis by suppressing the immune response and increasing acetylcholine receptor activity. However, IVIG is not typically the first intervention. Respiratory support and stabilization should take precedence, especially if there is significant respiratory distress.

D) Administration of an immunosuppressant:
Immunosuppressive therapy, such as corticosteroids or azathioprine, may be used to manage myasthenia gravis over the long term, but it is not an acute intervention for a myasthenic crisis. The immediate priority in a crisis situation is to manage respiratory distress and ensure airway protection.

A. Limit fluid intake B. Utilize assistive devices as needed C. Schedule eye examinations every other year D. Double up on any missed scheduled medications

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Limit fluid intake:
There is no evidence to suggest that limiting fluid intake is necessary or beneficial for clients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, staying well-hydrated is often encouraged, especially for individuals with bladder dysfunction or those at risk for urinary retention or constipation, which are common symptoms of MS. Restricting fluid intake could exacerbate these issues and is not a priority in MS management.

B) Utilize assistive devices as needed:
The most important aspect of teaching for a client recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is to encourage the use of assistive devices as needed. MS often causes mobility issues, weakness, and coordination difficulties due to damage to the nervous system. Using devices like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can significantly improve independence and safety, helping the client maintain mobility and prevent falls

C) Schedule eye examinations every other year:
Eye problems, such as optic neuritis or diplopia (double vision), are common in MS, but the frequency of eye exams depends on the individual’s symptoms. Regular eye exams are important, but every other year is generally not frequent enough. Most MS patients are advised to have annual eye exams or as recommended by their ophthalmologist, especially if they experience any changes in vision.

D) Double up on any missed scheduled medications:
Doubling up on missed medications is not recommended, as it can lead to overdose or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to follow the prescribed medication regimen and use strategies to help the client remember their medications, such as setting reminders or using a medication organizer.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is assessing a client who has early symptoms of hypoxia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse suspects a client who has myasthenia gravis is experiencing a myasthenic crisis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prepare to take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client who is recently diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. Which of the following is the most important to include in the patient teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse discusses the self-care guidelines to minimize the side effects of radiation on the skin. Which self-care instructions can the nurse provide the client receiving radiation? [Select all that apply.]

The nurse supervises the care of a patient with a temporary radioactive cervical implant. Which action by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), if observed by the nurse, would require immediate intervention?

A client with history of myasthenia gravis is experiencing prolonged periods of weakness and difficulty breathing. The provider orders an edrophonium [Tensilon] test. Once the dose is administered, the client becomes weaker. The nurse interprets this test result as:

A nurse is caring for a client who has Parkinson's disease and is taking diphenhydramine 25 mg PO TID. Which of the following therapeutic outcomes should the nurse expect to see?

A nurse assesses a client who presents to the provider's office to evaluate multiple nevi. Which finding should the nurse identify to the provider as possible sign of malignancy?

A client in the emergency room begins to experience an acute asthma attack. The nurse expects that which medication will be used as initial treatment?