A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and develops acute shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Clamp the catheter.

Position the client in left lateral Trendelenburg.

Auscultate breath sounds.

Initiate oxygen therapy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Acute shortness of breath in a client with a central venous catheter could be secondary to various respiratory complications such as pulmonary embolism and pneumothorax. Taking the appropriate action requires a quick assessment through auscultation as the emergency management of the various complications is different.
A. This is the immediate action to prevent more air from entering the venous system.
B. The left lateral trendelenburg position is relevant in hypotension but not a priority action.

C. uscultating breath sounds is an important assessment, especially if the cause of the shortness of breath is unclear. It can help identify wheezing, crackles, or absence of breath sounds, which may suggest conditions like pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, or infection. However, while auscultation is an important diagnostic step, it is typically done after initial interventions (such as positioning or administering oxygen) to stabilize the client.
D. Initiating oxygen therapy is important in cases of respiratory distress but assessment is priority in this case

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 B

Explanation

Allopurinol is a uric lowering agent that reduces the conversion on hypoxanthine to uric acid lowering its levels in blood. This prevents formation of uric acid crystals which are deposited in joints and tissues in gouty arthritis.

A. Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic used in management of ascites, hypertension and heart failure

C. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic agent used in management of sleep wake disorders

D. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used in management of anxiety disorders

A. The client has become addicted to the medication. B. The client is experiencing episodes of confusion. C. The client not been taking the medication properly. D. The client developed tolerance to the medication.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Tolerance refers to where there is reduced responsiveness to a drug due to prolonged exposure to the drug requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This effect requires progressive increment in dosages of the medication which may increase the risk for toxicity.
A. Addiction is characterized by compulsive efforts to acquire the drug despite being aware of its adverse consequences
C and D are not related to the continuous need for higher doses of morphine

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 caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and develops acute shortness of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has developed gout. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has terminal cancer and takes PO morphine for pain relief. The client reports that he had to increase the dose of morphine this week to obtain pain relief. Which of the following scenarios should the nurse document as the explanation for this situation?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has seizures and is receiving phenytoin in suspension form. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before administering each dose?

A nurse is caring for a client who has prostate cancer. The nurse should expect the provider to prescribe which of the following medications for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking sucralfate. Which of the following outcomes indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication?

A nurse is caring for a client Who requires a medication that is packaged in a single dose glass ampule. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when opening the glass ampule?

A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting signs of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

A nurse is caring for a client who has an infection and a prescription for gentamicin intermittent IV bolus every 8 hr. A peak and trough is required with the next dose. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to obtain an accurate gentamicin serum level?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who takes furosemide. The nurse should recommend which of the following foods as the best source of potassium?

A nurse is teaching a client Who has a new prescription for regular insulin and NPH insulin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?