A nurse is assessing a patient with hypokalemia, she notes that the patient's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. What action does the nurse take first?

Assess the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, depth

Call the healthcare provider

Document findings and monitor the patient

Measure the patient’s pulse and blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, depth:

This is the correct action to take first. Hypokalemia can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, which can result in respiratory compromise or failure. Assessing the patient's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth will help determine if there are any signs of respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure.

B. Call the healthcare provider:

While it's important to involve the healthcare provider, especially if there is a significant change in the patient's condition, assessing the patient's immediate respiratory status takes priority to ensure prompt intervention if respiratory distress is present.

C. Document findings and monitor the patient:

Documenting findings and ongoing monitoring are essential steps, but they come after addressing the patient's immediate needs, such as assessing respiratory status in this case.

D. Measure the patient’s pulse and blood pressure:

While vital signs are important, they may not immediately address the potential respiratory compromise associated with hypokalemia-induced muscle weakness. Assessing respiratory status is more directly relevant to the observed change in handgrip strength.

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Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

A. Cool the burn with ice water:

Not recommended: Cooling a burn with ice water directly is not recommended as it can lead to further tissue damage and complications. Instead, the burn should be cooled with cool (not cold) running water for a limited time and then covered with a clean, dry cloth.

B. Administer opioid analgesics:

Recommended: Severe burns can cause excruciating pain, and opioid analgesics are often necessary to manage this pain effectively. However, the specific opioid, dosage, and route of administration should be determined by the healthcare provider based on the client's condition and pain level.

C. Administer systemic antibiotics:

Not routinely recommended: Unless there are signs of infection or the burn involves deep tissue damage, systemic antibiotics are not typically administered prophylactically for burn injuries. However, if there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the burn site, antibiotic therapy may be initiated based on culture and sensitivity results.

D. Administer benzodiazepines for anxiety management:

Considered: Severe burns can cause significant psychological distress and anxiety in patients. Benzodiazepines may be considered to manage acute anxiety and agitation in these situations. However, the decision to administer benzodiazepines should be made based on the client's overall condition, vital signs, and response to non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety.

E. Lay the head of the bed flat:

Not recommended: In a client with severe burns who is experiencing increased work of breathing, anxiety, and rapid breathing, it is generally more beneficial to elevate the head of the bed slightly (semi-Fowler's position) to improve respiratory mechanics and reduce anxiety-related respiratory distress.

A. Measure the depth and width of the wound. B. Educate the client about the need for antibiotics. C. Consult a nutritionist for a diet plan. D. Remove any non-viable tissue.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Measure the depth and width of the wound. Regular assessment and documentation of the wound’s size can help track the progress of healing and effectiveness of the treatment plan.

B. Educate the client about the need for antibiotics. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary. It’s important for the client to understand the purpose and proper use of these medications.

C. Consult a nutritionist for a diet plan. Good nutrition is essential for wound healing. Certain nutrients, like protein, vitamin C, and zinc, can promote wound healing.

D. Remove any non-viable tissue. Debridement, or the removal of dead (non-viable) tissue, can help promote the healing of the wound by reducing the risk of infection and allowing healthy tissue to grow.

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A nurse is assessing a patient with hypokalemia, she notes that the patient's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. What action does the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has severe burns. Exhibits Which of the following actions should the nurse take when caring for a client who has severe burns? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with a chronic wound. Which of the following are wound treatments that may assist with the healing process?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse assesses a patient’s peripheral IV site and notices edema and tenderness above the site. What action will the nurse take next?

A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained a gasoline burn to 25% of the body. Which of the following is a priority safety concern when caring for this client?

A nurse recently hired to the preoperative area learns that certain patients are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which patients are considered to be at high risk? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a patient: pH 7.48, PaO 98 mm Hg, PaCO 28 mm Hg, and HCO - 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which patient condition does the nurse correlate with these results?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for abdominal surgery. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse include in the preoperative education?

A nurse is caring for a client during fluid resuscitation for burns. Which of the following are used to evaluate the success of fluid resuscitation? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is assisting in identifying clients on the medical surgical floor with skin problems. Which of the following are most likely to become chronic wounds?