A nurse on a surgical unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following is the priority action of the nurse?
Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating
Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury
Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU
Reinforcing a client’s dressing for the surgical site of an above the knee amputation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating.
Unilateral calf pain in a client who is ambulating can be indicative of a potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that requires prompt assessment and intervention. DVTs are a risk after surgery, and early detection is crucial to prevent complications such as a pulmonary embolism. Assessing the client experiencing calf pain is the priority to determine the cause and initiate appropriate interventions.
B. Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury:
While providing support and reassurance to family members is important, it is not as urgent as assessing a client with potential signs of a DVT.
C. Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU:
While obtaining and implementing orders in a timely manner is important, assessing and addressing a potential DVT takes precedence due to the immediate risk to the client's well-being.
D. Reinforcing a client’s dressing for the surgical site of an above-the-knee amputation:
Dressing reinforcement is important for wound care, but it is not as urgently needed as assessing a client with possible signs of a DVT. The assessment of calf pain takes priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pneumothorax: A pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. It often presents with unilateral chest pain, dyspnea, and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
B. Atelectasis: Atelectasis refers to the collapse of alveoli in the lungs, often caused by obstruction, compression, or lack of surfactant. Symptoms include hypoxemia, diminished breath sounds, and shortness of breath.
C. Hemothorax: A hemothorax occurs when blood accumulates in the pleural space. It typically presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
D. Flail Chest: Flail chest results from multiple rib fractures that create a free-floating segment of the chest wall. This condition causes paradoxical chest movement, where the chest wall segment moves inward during inspiration and outward during expiration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metallic taste in the mouth:
This is not a typical finding of oxygen toxicity. Metallic taste may be associated with other factors but is not a specific indicator of oxygen toxicity.
B. Facial flushing:
Facial flushing is not a typical finding in oxygen toxicity. It is more commonly associated with other conditions, such as certain allergic reactions or vasodilation.
C. Muscle twitching
Muscle twitching, also known as myoclonus, is a recognized symptom of central nervous system oxygen toxicity. High concentrations of oxygen, particularly at increased pressures, can cause neurotoxic effects leading to muscle twitching, dizziness, and even convulsions.
D. Periorbital edema:
Periorbital edema is not a common manifestation of oxygen toxicity. It is more commonly associated with conditions related to fluid balance or kidney function.
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