A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis who suddenly complains of severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and is extremely anxious. The nurse suspects that the client may have developed a pulmonary embolism. Which intervention should the nurse perform first?

Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram and call a rapid response.

Elevate the head of the bed and apply 2 liters of nasal oxygen.

Instruct the client to remain calm and administer lorazepam.

Increase the intravenous rate from 80 mL to 100 mL/hr.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:
Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram and calling a rapid response team are important steps when a pulmonary embolism is suspected. However, these actions are not the immediate first-line interventions. The priority is to address the client's oxygenation needs to prevent further hypoxemia and potential cardiac arrest.

Choice B reason:
Elevating the head of the bed and applying 2 liters of nasal oxygen is the most appropriate initial intervention. This position helps improve the expansion of the lungs and oxygenation, while the supplemental oxygen can help alleviate hypoxemia, which is critical in the management of a pulmonary embolism.

Choice C reason:
While ensuring the client remains calm is beneficial, administering lorazepam is not the first-line treatment for a suspected pulmonary embolism. Lorazepam may be used for its anxiolytic effects, but it does not address the immediate life-threatening issues of oxygenation and potential hemodynamic instability.

Choice D reason:
Increasing the intravenous rate may be considered to maintain adequate hydration and venous return, but it is not the first intervention for a suspected pulmonary embolism. The priority is to stabilize the client's respiratory status and oxygenation.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Bright lighting can be overwhelming for clients experiencing perceptual alterations. While regular checks on the client's mental status are important, excessive brightness can exacerbate sensory overload. The goal is to create an environment that is calming and reduces sensory stimuli to manageable levels.

Choice B Reason:
Keeping the lights dim may help to soothe some clients, but continuous noise from a radio can contribute to sensory overload. It's crucial to tailor the environment to the individual needs of the client, which often means providing a quiet space with minimal auditory distractions.

Choice C Reason:
Having the client sit by the nurse's desk may provide necessary supervision, but it can also expose the client to high levels of activity and noise, which can be disorienting. Rest periods with the television on can be distracting and may not offer the tranquil environment needed for a client with perceptual alterations.

Choice D Reason:
Providing a well-lit room without glare or shadows and limiting noise is the most appropriate environmental change for a client with perceptual alterations. This approach helps to reduce the risk of misperceptions and hallucinations, which can be triggered by shadows and glare. A quiet and well-lit environment supports better sensory processing and helps to maintain orientation.

A. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg. B. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L. C. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute. D. Respiration rate of 16 breaths per minute.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered within the normal range and is an ideal target for most individuals being treated for hypertension. This finding would not typically alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

Choice B Reason
Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L is higher than the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This is a known side effect of lisinopril, especially in clients with renal impairment, as it inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduces potassium excretion.

Choice C Reason
A heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 60-100 beats per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

Choice D Reason
A respiration rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

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A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis who suddenly complains of severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and is extremely anxious. The nurse suspects that the client may have developed a pulmonary embolism. Which intervention should the nurse perform first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What environmental changes should the nurse make for a client who is experiencing perceptual alterations?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is prescribed lisinopril 20 mg PO daily for the treatment of hypertension. Which finding would alert the nurse that a side effect of the medication has occurred?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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