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. This directly indicates that the lithotripsy procedure was successful in breaking down the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed through the urinary tract.
B. While the absence of these symptoms is a positive sign, it does not directly confirm the success of the lithotripsy procedure. These symptoms can be present even if the stone has been broken down.
C. Pale pink urine is expected after lithotripsy due to minor bleeding. The absence of blood clots is also a good sign, but it doesn't definitively confirm the procedure's success.
D. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are within normal limits. These lab values are important indicators of kidney function but do not directly relate to the success of the lithotripsy procedure itself.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While oxygen saturation is important, it's not the priority in this situation. The client's symptoms strongly suggest hypoglycemia.
B. The client's symptoms of diaphoresis, rapid heartbeat, and shakiness are classic signs of hypoglycemia. Therefore, the first action should be to confirm this diagnosis by checking the blood glucose level.
C. Administering glucose before confirming hypoglycemia can be dangerous. If the client is hyperglycemic, giving them sugar will worsen their condition.
D. Providing food without confirming hypoglycemia is not appropriate.
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