Days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects that the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?
Notify the healthcare provider.
Prepare a continuous heparin infusion per protocol.
Provide supplemental oxygen.
Bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C is correct because providing supplemental oxygen is the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. A pulmonary embolus is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow, causing hypoxia and respiratory distress. The nurse should administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygenation and prevent further complications.
Choice A is incorrect because notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's vital signs and symptoms.
Choice B is incorrect because preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrence, but it does not dissolve existing clots or improve oxygenation. The nurse should prepare a heparin infusion after obtaining a prescription from the healthcare provider and confirming the diagnosis with diagnostic tests.
Choice D is incorrect because bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The emergency crash cart contains equipment and medications that can be used in case of cardiac arrest or other emergencies, but it does not address the immediate need of oxygenation. The nurse should bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Ask for a consultation with a psychologist. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the physical aspect of pain management. A psychologist may help the client cope with emotional distress and cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce pain perception, but it may not be enough to relieve severe pain.
Choice B: Arrange an appointment with a pain specialist. This is the best intervention, as it addresses the physical aspect of pain management. A pain specialist may prescribe appropriate medications, perform interventional procedures, or recommend alternative therapies to relieve severe pain.
Choice C: Contact a hospice nurse for an evaluation. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the eligibility criteria for hospice care. Hospice care is intended for clients who have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, and who have decided to forego curative treatments. Fibromyalgia is not a terminal illness, and hospice care may not be appropriate for this client.
Choice D: Form an interdisciplinary team for evaluation. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the urgency of pain management. An interdisciplinary team may consist of various healthcare professionals who can provide holistic care for the client, but it may take time to coordinate and implement their services.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Reinforcing need for adequate hydration is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this is a general recommendation for all clients and does not address the specific needs of this client. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Providing typed instructions for healthy diet selection is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this may not be feasible or accessible for this client who lives in a poor neighborhood and may have limited resources and literacy. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Scheduling follow-up appointments with specialists is the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this can ensure that this client receives continuous and comprehensive care for their complex and chronic conditions, which can improve their outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Demonstrating specific breathing and walking exercises is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this can be done by other health care professionals or at home by the client. This is another distractor choice.
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