A nurse is caring for a client who develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?
Begin oxygen therapy.
Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s.
Initiate cardiac monitoring.
Administer IV morphine.
The Correct Answer is A
a. Begin oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia.
b. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s: While fluid resuscitation may be needed, oxygen therapy takes precedence to address the immediate respiratory compromise.
c. Initiate cardiac monitoring: Cardiac monitoring is important, but addressing oxygenation is the priority in a client with a pulmonary embolism.
d. Administer IV morphine: Pain management may be necessary, but the priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential hypoxemia associated with a pulmonary embolism.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Apply a warm cloth over the client's eyes: This intervention is not typically indicated for a client who had a craniotomy. It is important to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure, but a warm cloth over the eyes is not a standard intervention.
b. Place the client in a supine position: The position of the client after a craniotomy will depend on the surgeon's preference. It is important to follow specific postoperative positioning
instructions, which may or may not include supine positioning.
c. Maintain seizure precautions: Seizure precautions are crucial for clients who have had a craniotomy, as they are at an increased risk of seizures postoperatively.
d. Obtain a prescription for an opioid medication for pain: Pain management is important, but opioid medications may be carefully titrated due to the potential for respiratory depression and other side effects. It is not the primary intervention in the immediate postoperative period.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
b. Paralytic ileus: Absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and no passage of flatus are characteristic signs of paralytic ileus, which is a temporary impairment of bowel motility following surgery.
c. Health care-associated Clostridium difficile: Clostridium difficile infection is associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention is not consistent with C. difficile infection.
d. Fecal impaction: Fecal impaction is characterized by a blockage of hardened stool in the
rectum or colon, leading to difficulty passing stool. It may cause abdominal discomfort, but it does not typically present with the absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention seen in paralytic ileus.
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