After being transferred from the emergency department to a medical unit, a client vomits into an emesis basin. The nurse observes the emesis as seen in the picture. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Obtain current vital signs.
Measure abdominal girth.
Observe for flushing
Auscultate breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Vital signs are critical for assessing the client’s current hemodynamic status. Coffee-ground emesis can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which might lead to complications like hypovolemia or shock.
Vital signs can provide essential information about the client’s condition and help determine the urgency of intervention. Checking vital signs is a priority in assessing the severity of the situation and guiding further actions.
B. Measuring abdominal girth is useful in assessing for abdominal distention or fluid accumulation, which can be relevant in some gastrointestinal conditions. However, in the immediate context of coffee- ground emesis, the most urgent concern is evaluating the client's hemodynamic stability rather than focusing on abdominal girth.
C. Flushing of the skin might be relevant in certain contexts (e.g., reactions to medications or infections), but it is not directly related to the immediate concern of gastrointestinal bleeding and the client’s hemodynamic status. It is less critical compared to assessing vital signs in this situation.
D. While auscultating breath sounds is important for evaluating respiratory status and detecting any pulmonary complications, it is not the immediate priority in the context of coffee-ground emesis. The primary concern should be assessing for signs of hemodynamic instability that may result from gastrointestinal bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The sudden onset of flashing lights and floaters can be a symptom of a detached retina, a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention.
B. This is incorrect. The client should not engage in any activities until the condition is evaluated by a healthcare professional.
C. While rest might seem appropriate, the client should seek immediate medical attention due to the potential seriousness of the symptoms.
D. Warm compresses are not indicated for this condition, and the client should seek immediate medical attention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While fatigue can contribute to decreased appetite, it is not as directly linked to the specific condition of trigeminal neuralgia.
B. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe, sharp facial pain, often triggered by chewing, talking, or even a gentle breeze. This pain would significantly deter a person from eating, leading to imbalanced nutrition.
C. Nausea is not a typical symptom of trigeminal neuralgia and would not be the primary cause of imbalanced nutrition in this case.
D. While altered taste can affect food enjoyment, it is less likely to completely deter someone from eating compared to the intense pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.
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