A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a client who suddenly becomes confused and drowsy. Additional data includes pulse 100/min, respiratory rate 24/min, BP 132/76 mm Hg, and temperature 36.8° C (98.2° F). Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Hold the client's evening dose of digoxin.

Increase the client's fluid intake.

Complete a neurological check.

Administer the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Holding the client's evening dose of digoxin is not the priority at this time. The client's symptoms of confusion and drowsiness require immediate attention to determine the cause.
B.   Increasing the client's fluid intake may be important for various reasons, but it is not the most urgent action in this situation. The client's altered mental status and vital signs need to be assessed first.
C.   Completing a neurological check is the most appropriate action in this situation. The sudden onset of confusion and drowsiness may indicate a neurological issue that needs to be assessed promptly. This includes assessing the client's level of consciousness, pupillary response, motor function, and other neurological signs.
D.   Administering the prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication is not indicated based on the client's current presentation. The client's symptoms are more suggestive of a neurological issue rather than hypertension. It's important to address the altered mental status first.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The total volume to infuse is 1,000 ml over 8 hours, which calculates to a rate of 125 ml/hour (1,000 ml ÷ 8 hr).

By 1400, the client has already received 500 ml (since there is 500 ml remaining in the IV bag).
The infusion has been running for 4 hours (from 1000 to 1400), which means the nurse has infused 500 ml (125 ml/hour × 4 hours).
Since there are 500 ml remaining in the bag, it will take another 4 hours to complete the infusion (500 ml ÷ 125 ml/hour).
Therefore, if the nurse administers the next bag immediately after the current one runs out, it will be at 1800 (1400 + 4 hours).
However, the timing of administering the next bag depends on when the current bag will run out. Since there is still 500 ml remaining, it will take 4 more hours until the IV solution runs out, which is at 1800.

A. Independently dispose of the remaining medication. B. Return the medication to the unit's stock for future use. C. Administer the medication to other clients to avoid waste. D. Report the discrepancy immediately.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Independently disposing of the remaining medication may not be in compliance with facility policies and could potentially interfere with an investigation into how the medication was left unattended.

B. Returning the medication to the unit's stock for future use is not appropriate, as the vial is already open and its integrity may be compromised.

C. Administering the medication to other clients is absolutely not an option. This could lead to serious harm or even fatal consequences for the other clients involved.

D. When a nurse discovers an open vial of medication left unattended, it is a serious safety concern. The nurse should report the discrepancy immediately to the appropriate personnel or supervisor. This ensures that the situation is addressed promptly and that necessary actions are taken to prevent potential harm to clients.

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A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a client who suddenly becomes confused and drowsy. Additional data includes pulse 100/min, respiratory rate 24/min, BP 132/76 mm Hg, and temperature 36.8° C (98.2° F). Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing a client's prescription for 1,000 ml of 5% dextrose in water IV to infuse over 8 hr. At 1400, the nurse observes that there is 500 ml of solution remaining in the client's current IV bag. At what time should the nurse administer the next bag of IV solution?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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