A nurse is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements by the client is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?
"My heart feels like it skips a beat."
"I have nosebleeds once per week."
"The palms of my hands are red and blotchy."
"I’m experiencing persistent headaches."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Palpitations at 34 weeks may signal arrhythmia or preeclampsia-related cardiac strain. This urgent symptom in pregnancy requires immediate provider evaluation.
Choice B reason: Weekly nosebleeds are common in pregnancy from vascular changes, less critical. Without severity, they’re not the priority over cardiac concerns.
Choice C reason: Red, blotchy palms (palmar erythema) are normal in pregnancy from estrogen. It’s benign, not urgent compared to potential heart issues.
Choice D reason: Persistent headaches suggest preeclampsia, but palpitations pose a more immediate cardiac risk. At 34 weeks, this takes reporting precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A chaplain offers spiritual support, but it’s not the nurse’s primary role. Autonomy in end-stage kidney disease takes precedence over initiating such visits.
Choice B reason: Alternatives don’t apply post-decision in end-stage disease; dialysis cessation reflects prognosis acceptance. Discussing them now dismisses the client’s informed choice.
Choice C reason: Supporting the decision respects autonomy in end-stage kidney disease. It aligns with palliative care, honoring the client’s right to refuse treatment.
Choice D reason: Suggesting family discussion undermines autonomy, adding pressure. In terminal illness, the client’s choice to stop dialysis should be respected directly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying suction while inserting risks trauma to nasal mucosa, as continuous pressure can tear delicate tissues or cause bleeding. Proper technique involves inserting without suction, then applying it on withdrawal to safely remove secretions, minimizing injury and ensuring effective clearance without damaging the airway lining.
Choice B reason: Intermittent suction for 30 seconds exceeds safe limits; guidelines recommend 10-15 seconds to avoid hypoxia. Prolonged suction depletes oxygen in the airway, especially in nasopharyngeal suctioning, where ventilation is obstructed, risking respiratory distress or cardiac complications in an adult client with compromised breathing.
Choice C reason: Inserting the catheter 10 cm (4 in) is too shallow for nasopharyngeal suctioning in adults, where 16-20 cm reaches the pharynx. Insufficient depth fails to clear secretions effectively, leaving mucus in lower airways, potentially worsening obstruction or infection, as the catheter must target the secretion source accurately.
Choice D reason: Waiting 1 minute between attempts allows oxygen levels to stabilize, preventing hypoxia during nasopharyngeal suctioning. This interval ensures the client reoxygenates after airway occlusion, reducing risks of desaturation or arrhythmia, aligning with safe practice to maintain respiratory stability while clearing mucus effectively in adults.
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