A nurse receives the following medication orders while caring for multiple clients. Which medication should the nurse plan to administer first?
Normal saline 1 liter to client who is dehydrated
Morphine sulfate 4mg intravenously (IV) now for the client experiencing incisional pain
Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) 0.4 mg sublingually (SL) stat for the client experiencing crushing chest pain
Lorazepam 2 mg IV now for the client who is anxious and restless
The Correct Answer is C
A) Normal saline 1 liter to client who is dehydrated:
Administering normal saline to a dehydrated client is an important task, as it helps to restore fluid balance and improve circulatory volume. However, while rehydration is critical, it is not an immediate, life-threatening priority compared to other interventions. The nurse should begin this infusion after addressing more urgent needs such as severe chest pain, which could indicate a cardiac emergency.
B) Morphine sulfate 4mg intravenously (IV) now for the client experiencing incisional pain:
Morphine is a potent analgesic, and relieving pain for postoperative patients is essential for comfort and recovery. However, incisional pain, although important to address, is not life-threatening in this scenario. The client with chest pain should be prioritized because chest pain could indicate a myocardial infarction (MI) or other serious cardiac event that requires immediate intervention.
C) Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) 0.4 mg sublingually (SL) stat for the client experiencing crushing chest pain:
Crushing chest pain is a classic symptom of acute myocardial infarction (MI), a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain associated with angina or MI by dilating the coronary arteries and improving blood flow to the heart. In this case, chest pain is the most critical symptom, and immediate treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of further cardiac damage or complications.
D) Lorazepam 2 mg IV now for the client who is anxious and restless:
While lorazepam is an effective medication for anxiety and restlessness, it is not the most urgent medication in this case. The client’s anxiety should be addressed, but it does not pose an immediate threat to life. Anxiety can generally be managed after more acute, life-threatening conditions (such as chest pain) are stabilized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Respiratory acidosis:
This condition is characterized by an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in pH, which is exactly what is seen in these ABG results. The pH of 7.21 indicates acidosis (normal pH range is 7.35–7.45), and the PaCO2 of 50 is elevated (normal PaCO2 range is 35–45 mmHg), indicating that carbon dioxide retention is contributing to the acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the lungs are unable to adequately expel CO2, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood, which decreases the pH. The HCO3 (bicarbonate) is within normal range (22–28 mEq/L), suggesting that there has not yet been compensation by the kidneys, which would typically increase bicarbonate levels to buffer the acidosis.
B) Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (above 7.45) and an elevated HCO3 (above 28 mEq/L). In this case, the pH is low (7.21), and the bicarbonate level (HCO3) is normal (26), so metabolic alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.
C) Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is decreased PaCO2 (below 35 mmHg) and an elevated pH (above 7.45), typically due to hyperventilation. Since the PaCO2 is elevated (50 mmHg) in this case, it rules out respiratory alkalosis.
D) Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a low HCO3 (below 22 mEq/L). While the pH is low in this case, the HCO3 is normal (26 mEq/L), which suggests that the acidosis is not metabolic in origin. Metabolic acidosis would typically show a low bicarbonate level, indicating that the kidneys are not able to compensate effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 250 mg:
This represents the amount of levodopa in the tablet, not carbidopa. Sinemet contains two active ingredients: carbidopa (25 mg) and levodopa (250 mg), as shown on the label.
B. 25 mg:
This is the correct answer, as the label indicates that each tablet contains 25 mg of carbidopa. Carbidopa is combined with levodopa to improve its effectiveness and reduce side effects like nausea.
C. 5 mg:
This is not accurate; the label clearly states that the carbidopa dose is 25 mg per tablet.
D. 200 mg:
This does not correspond to the dose of carbidopa or levodopa in this medication. The label specifies 25 mg of carbidopa and 250 mg of levodopa.
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