A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops chest pain and dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first
Place the client on bedrest.
Obtain the client's ABG levels.
Elevate the head of the client's bed.
Prepare the client for a ventilation-perfusion scan
The Correct Answer is C
A. Place the client on bedrest: While limiting the client’s activity is important to reduce oxygen demand, it is not the first priority. Immediate actions should focus on improving oxygenation and reducing respiratory distress.
B. Obtain the client's ABG levels: Although obtaining arterial blood gases provides valuable information about oxygenation and acid-base balance, it does not address the immediate need to relieve the client's breathing difficulty and hypoxia.
C. Elevate the head of the client's bed: Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, making it the first action to reduce dyspnea and ease the client’s breathing. It is a simple, quick intervention that can stabilize the client while further assessments are conducted.
D. Prepare the client for a ventilation-perfusion scan: A V/Q scan may be indicated to diagnose conditions like pulmonary embolism, but it is a diagnostic step that follows stabilization. Immediate efforts must first focus on ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Report the blood pressure reading to the charge nurse: While notifying the charge nurse is important, the nurse should first validate the high reading by rechecking the blood pressure. Acting on a single, unverified reading could lead to unnecessary interventions or missed opportunities for accurate assessment.
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication: Administering antihypertensive medication based solely on a report without rechecking the blood pressure could be unsafe. Verification ensures that treatment is based on accurate clinical data and prevents unnecessary medication administration.
C. Remeasure the client's blood pressure: The first action should always be to recheck an unusually high or abnormal vital sign reading to confirm its accuracy. Errors can occur during measurement, and accurate confirmation is critical before proceeding with further interventions in a client with chronic kidney failure.
D. Instruct the client to remain in bed: While keeping the client in bed can help prevent complications if severe hypertension is confirmed, it is not the priority action. Verifying the blood pressure reading must occur first to determine the appropriate course of action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Apply restraints according to the facility's standing order: Restraints should never be applied based on a standing order. Each use of restraints requires a specific, immediate provider order following a thorough assessment of the situation.
B. Obtain a PRN prescription for restraints from the provider: PRN (as-needed) orders for restraints are not appropriate. Restraints must be ordered specifically when the need arises, after evaluating less restrictive measures.
C. Stand in front of the client to block them from others in the room: Standing directly in front of a combative client can escalate the situation and put the nurse at risk of injury. Maintaining a safe distance and using de-escalation techniques are safer strategies.
D. Ensure there are enough staff members available for assistance: Ensuring sufficient staff presence is critical when a client becomes combative. It helps ensure the safety of the client, other clients, and staff members, and allows for a coordinated response if physical intervention becomes necessary.
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