A nurse on a telemetry unit is caring for a client who has unstable angina and is reporting chest pain with a severity of 6 on a 0 to 10 scale.The nurse administers 1 sublingual nitroglycerin tablet.
After 5 minutes, the client states that his chest pain is now a severity of 2. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Obtain an ECG.
Call the Rapid Response Team.
Administer another nitroglycerin tablet.
Initiate a peripheral IV.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
Administering another nitroglycerin tablet is appropriate if the client's chest pain has not been fully relieved after the initial dose. Nitroglycerin helps to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and relieving angina. A second dose can be given if the pain persists, following the protocol for managing chest pain.
Choice A rationale
Obtaining an ECG is important for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions; however, in this immediate context, further pain relief takes precedence. After ensuring pain relief, an ECG can be performed to assess the client's cardiac status.
Choice B rationale
Calling the Rapid Response Team is unnecessary if the client’s chest pain severity has already decreased. The priority should be to continue managing the chest pain with additional nitroglycerin if needed and monitoring the client's response.
Choice D rationale
Initiating a peripheral IV might be required for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the immediate action needed in this scenario. The priority is to provide additional pain relief with nitroglycerin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Having the patient lift their back and buttocks using a trapeze allows for proper assessment of pressure areas and skin care. This technique reduces the risk of further injury or discomfort and provides better access for the nurse to assess the skin condition.
Choice B rationale
Asking the patient to turn to the side independently may not be feasible for a patient with a pelvic fracture. This method can cause pain and risk further injury, making it an unsuitable choice for assessing pressure areas.
Choice C rationale
Rolling the patient over to the side by pushing on the patient's hip is not recommended as it can exacerbate the injury and cause pain. This method is not appropriate for patients with pelvic fractures.
Choice D rationale
Deferring back assessment until the patient is ambulatory is not a safe practice. Pressure areas should be regularly assessed to prevent skin breakdown and complications, even if the patient is not yet ambulatory.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Ensuring a clear airway is the priority intervention in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis with hypoxia. Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues. Without a clear airway, oxygen cannot be effectively delivered to the lungs, and subsequently to the bloodstream and tissues. Addressing the client's airway ensures that oxygenation can be improved promptly, which is critical in preventing further complications and maintaining vital functions.
Choice A rationale
While it is important to monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic ketoacidosis, it is not the immediate priority when the client is also experiencing hypoxia. Blood glucose testing does not directly address the oxygen deficiency, which needs urgent attention to prevent severe outcomes.
Choice B rationale
Administering a bronchodilator can help improve breathing in some cases; however, it is not the first step in managing hypoxia and diabetic ketoacidosis. The primary focus should be on ensuring a patent airway to facilitate adequate oxygen delivery.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring vital signs is essential in managing any acute condition; however, in this scenario, ensuring a clear airway to address hypoxia is the most critical intervention. Monitoring alone does not resolve the immediate issue of oxygen deprivation.
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