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. Facial erythema is not a primary diagnostic feature of this specific respiratory bacterial infection. While intense coughing fits may cause temporary facial flushing or venous congestion, it is not a hallmark finding. Conditions like fifth disease or slapped-cheek syndrome are more likely to present with persistent malar rashes. This sign lacks the specificity required for a pertussis diagnosis.
B. Peeling of the skin on the extremities, known as desquamation, is classically associated with Kawasaki disease or scarlet fever. Bordetella pertussis does not typically produce the exotoxin profile necessary to cause significant integumentary shedding or widespread dermatological involvement. The pathology of pertussis is primarily localized to the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract. It is not an exfoliative disease.
C. In the catarrhal phase of the infection, a low-grade temperature is a standard clinical finding as the immune system responds to the initial bacterial colonization. The presence of systemic inflammation results in mild pyrexia alongside coryza. This manifestation is most prominent before the onset of the characteristic paroxysmal cough. Fever helps differentiate early pertussis from non-inflammatory conditions.
D. A beefy, red tongue, often described as a strawberry tongue, is a classic sign of scarlet fever or toxic shock syndrome. This manifestation occurs due to capillary permeability and inflammation of the lingual papillae caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Pertussis involves the respiratory mucosa rather than the oral structures or the tongue. This symptom indicates a different bacterial or inflammatory etiology.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "You should lay down for 1 hour following a meal.":
Laying down after eating can exacerbate GERD symptoms by promoting acid reflux. The nurse should advise the client to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to prevent reflux. Lying down increases the likelihood of gastric contents moving back into the esophagus.
B) "You should only drink 2 cups of coffee per day.":
Caffeine is a known trigger for GERD and can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux. The nurse should suggest limiting or avoiding coffee altogether, rather than recommending a specific quantity, as even small amounts may aggravate symptoms.
C) "You should elevate the head of the bed while sleeping.":
Elevating the head of the bed is a common and effective strategy for managing GERD. This helps prevent acid reflux during sleep by utilizing gravity to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. A common recommendation is to elevate the head by 6-8 inches using blocks or a wedge pillow.
D) "You should eat three large meals and two snacks per day.":
Eating large meals can increase intra-abdominal pressure and promote acid reflux in clients with GERD. The nurse should recommend smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the risk of reflux and improve symptom control.
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