A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following action should the nurse take?
Insert an oral airway into the client’s mouth
Measure the duration of the seizure.
Lower the side rails of the bed when the seizure begins.
Restrain the client's arms and legs to prevent injury.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
A. Attempting to force an object into the oral cavity during muscle contraction causes dental trauma or jaw fractures. It significantly increases the risk of aspiration if the object breaks or triggers a gag reflex. Modern clinical guidelines strictly prohibit the insertion of any device into the mouth during active convulsions. Airway patency is maintained by placing the client in a lateral position.
B. Tracking the exact duration of the ictal phase is a critical nursing responsibility for clinical assessment. This data determines the necessity for emergency benzodiazepines if the event lasts longer than 5 minutes. Precise timing helps differentiate between a self-limiting seizure and dangerous status epilepticus. The nurse must record the start and end times to guide medical intervention.
C. Lowering the side rails during a seizure increases the risk of the client falling from the height of the bed. Standard seizure precautions require that side rails remain raised and should be padded to prevent blunt force trauma. Ensuring the patient stays within the safe boundaries of the bed is a primary safety goal.
D. Physical restraints can cause severe musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures or dislocations during the forceful involuntary movements of the clonic phase. Restricting the extremities creates unnecessary resistance against powerful muscle contractions. The nurse should clear the immediate area of hard objects rather than holding the client down.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Oucher scale: The Oucher scale is a pain assessment tool that is appropriate for children ages 3 to 12 years. It uses a series of photos depicting facial expressions that range from no pain to extreme pain. While useful for older children, it is not the most appropriate choice for an 8-month-old infant.
B) Visual Analog scale: The Visual Analog scale is typically used for children and adults who are able to understand and use numerical ratings or visual representations of pain. Since an 8-month-old infant is unable to verbally communicate or use this scale, it would not be suitable for evaluating their pain.
C) FLACC scale: The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is designed for infants and young children who are unable to verbally communicate their pain. It is ideal for assessing the pain levels of infants, as it evaluates observable behaviors like facial expressions, leg movement, and crying, which are indicators of pain in nonverbal children.
D) FACES pain scale: The FACES pain scale is typically used for children as young as 3 years old, but it requires the child to be able to identify and select facial expressions that correspond to their pain. An 8-month-old infant would not be able to engage with this scale, as it requires some cognitive development and understanding of emotional expressions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "I will stop what I am doing and lie down.": This is the correct response. When a client with stable angina experiences chest pain, they should stop any physical activity and rest in a comfortable position, preferably lying down. This helps reduce the heart’s workload and decrease the demand for oxygen, which can relieve the pain. Rest is important before taking any further action.
B) "I will take two 325 milligram aspirin tablets at the same time.": While aspirin can help reduce blood clot formation in some cases of chest pain, the recommended dosage is typically one 81-325 mg aspirin, not two 325 mg tablets. Taking two large doses may lead to an overdose or unwanted side effects. Additionally, this is not the immediate intervention for stable angina pain, which typically responds to rest and nitroglycerin.
C) "I will hold my breath and bear down.": This technique, known as the Valsalva maneuver, can increase intrathoracic pressure and slow the heart rate, but it is not recommended to relieve chest pain in stable angina. In fact, it could increase stress on the heart and worsen the symptoms. This maneuver is used in specific situations, such as slowing a rapid heart rate, not for chest pain relief.
D) "I will call the provider after taking one dose of nitroglycerin.": The client should first try nitroglycerin for chest pain as prescribed, and if the pain doesn’t resolve after one dose (or if it worsens), they should seek medical attention. However, in the case of stable angina, it's more appropriate to call the provider if the chest pain persists despite rest and nitroglycerin, not immediately after the first dose.
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