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. Metabolic alkalosis with full compensation:
This is not the correct interpretation. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. In this case, the pH is low (acidosis), and the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, suggesting a respiratory issue rather than a metabolic one.
B. Respiratory alkalosis with partial compensation:
This is not the correct interpretation. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and decreased PaCO2. In this case, the pH is low (acidosis), and the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis with partial compensation:
This is not the correct interpretation. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and decreased bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. In this case, the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, and the elevated PaCO2 suggests a respiratory issue, not metabolic acidosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis with no compensation:
This is the correct interpretation. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2. The normal bicarbonate level indicates that compensatory mechanisms (such as the kidneys increasing bicarbonate reabsorption) have not fully corrected the pH imbalance, leading to respiratory acidosis with no compensation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Suppress respiratory effort
Pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent that is often used to induce paralysis in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction, leading to skeletal muscle paralysis. In the context of a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on mechanical ventilation, the use of pancuronium helps to suppress respiratory effort, allowing for better control of the patient's ventilation and oxygenation.
B. Decrease chest wall compliance:
Pancuronium does not directly affect chest wall compliance. It primarily acts on skeletal muscles, leading to paralysis.
C. Decrease respiratory secretions:
Pancuronium is not used to decrease respiratory secretions. It is a neuromuscular blocking agent with the main goal of inducing paralysis.
D. Induce sedation:
Pancuronium does not induce sedation. It works on the neuromuscular junction and does not have sedative properties. Sedation may be achieved with other medications, such as sedative agents.
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