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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Spicy foods can exacerbate GERD symptoms by irritating the esophagus and increasing acid production. While minimizing spicy foods is important, it is one of several dietary changes that can help manage GERD. It’s beneficial but may not be the single most critical instruction compared to other lifestyle modifications.
B. Remaining upright after meals is crucial for managing GERD. Lying down or reclining too soon after eating can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, worsening symptoms. Staying upright helps to facilitate digestion and reduce acid reflux, making this practice highly important for symptom control and prevention of reflux.
C. Tight-fitting clothes can increase abdominal pressure, which may contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux. While this is a helpful instruction to prevent exacerbation of symptoms, it may not be as directly impactful as remaining upright after meals.
D. Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. However, while important, this instruction might be considered a secondary priority compared to immediate practical strategies like maintaining an upright position after eating.

A. Teach about compliance to reduce blood pressure. B. Provide rest periods and portable oxygen. C. Maintain continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm. D. Administer nitroglycerin daily.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is the most likely intervention to avert cardiomegaly and improve myocardial contractility. By reducing blood pressure, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood, which can help prevent the heart from enlarging (cardiomegaly) and improve its ability to contract effectively.
B. While rest and oxygen can help manage symptoms of heart failure, they do not directly address the underlying issue of increased cardiac workload and hypertrophy.
C. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm is important for assessing the patient's condition, but it does not prevent cardiomegaly or improve contractility.
D. Nitroglycerin is used to treat acute symptoms of heart failure, such as chest pain, but it is not a long- term solution for preventing cardiomegaly or improving contractility.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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