In assessing a client's level of consciousness, what should the nurse assess first?

Motor responses.

Eye opening.

Verbal response

Level of alertness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

a. "Motor responses." Motor responses are important in assessing neurological function, but they are typically assessed after determining the client's overall level of consciousness and alertness. Motor responses are usually assessed when the client is unresponsive or has altered consciousness.

b. "Eye opening." Eye opening is part of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and is an important indicator of neurological function. However, it is generally assessed after determining the client's level of alertness.

c. "Verbal response." Verbal response is another component of the GCS, assessing how the client responds to verbal stimuli. This assessment also follows the initial determination of the client’s alertness.

d. "Level of alertness." The level of alertness is the first and most fundamental aspect to assess because it gives the nurse a baseline understanding of how aware the client is of their surroundings. This assessment sets the stage for further evaluation of motor, eye, and verbal responses. It helps determine the client's ability to interact and respond to stimuli, guiding subsequent assessments.

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Correct Answer is ["C","D","F"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Macule is incorrect. A macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter. It does not contain fluid; instead, it represents a change in the color of the skin, such as a freckle or a flat mole. Macules are not filled with fluid; they are characterized by alterations in skin pigmentation without any elevation or depression.
Choice B Reason:
Papule is incorrect. A papule is a small, raised bump on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter. Papules do not contain fluid; instead, they result from localized cellular infiltration, inflammation, or proliferation in the skin layers. Examples of papules include acne lesions and insect bites.
Choice C Reason:
Wheal is correct. A wheal is a raised area of skin that is typically reddened and accompanied by itching. It contains fluid and is often associated with allergic reactions, insect bites, or hives.
Choice D Reason:
Vesicle is correct. A vesicle is a small, fluid-filled blister that appears on the skin. It contains clear fluid and can be caused by various factors such as infection, allergic reactions, or friction.
Choice E Reason:
Nodule is incorrect. A nodule is a solid, raised bump on the skin that is larger than 1 centimeter in diameter and extends into deeper layers of the skin. Similar to papules, nodules do not contain fluid; they are composed of tissue, such as fat, fibrous tissue, or tumors. Examples of nodules include lipomas and dermatofibromas.
Choice F Reason:
Pustule is correct. A pustule is a small, pus-filled blister that appears on the skin. It contains purulent fluid (pus) and is often associated with bacterial infections such as acne or folliculitis.

A. Jugular venous distension. B. Peripheral edema. C. Dyspnea. D. Intercostal retractions. E. Headaches.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Jugular venous distension is correct. Jugular venous distension is a common sign of fluid overload and increased central venous pressure, which occur during exacerbations of heart failure. It indicates impaired cardiac function and elevated systemic venous pressure.
Choice B Reason:
Peripheral edema is correct. Peripheral edema, particularly in the lower extremities, is a classic manifestation of fluid retention and congestion in heart failure exacerbations. It results from increased capillary hydrostatic pressure and impaired fluid reabsorption by the kidneys.
Choice C Reason:
Dyspnea is correct. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark symptom of heart failure exacerbations. It occurs due to pulmonary congestion resulting from fluid accumulation in the lungs, impairing gas exchange and leading to difficulty breathing.
Choice D Reason:
Intercostal retraction is not typically associated with exacerbations of heart failure. Intercostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and respiratory distress, which may occur in conditions such as severe respiratory infections or asthma exacerbations, but are not specific to heart failure exacerbations.
Choice E Reason:
Headaches are not typically associated with exacerbations of heart failure. Headaches can have various causes, including tension, migraines, or sinus congestion, but they are not commonly observed as a direct manifestation of heart failure exacerbations.

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In assessing a client's level of consciousness, what should the nurse assess first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Patient Data Exhibits During the assessment, the nurse notes that the areas are filled with a fluid-like substance. Which of the following primary skin lesions contain fluid? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","F"]

Explanation

An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HF? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Which is the best approach for the nurse to use when interviewing a client about alcohol and substance use?

While percussing the borders of the heart, the nurse picks up an area of dullness beginning at the 5th left intercostal space and moving upward to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. What do these findings indicate?

In assessing a client's level of consciousness, what should the nurse assess first?

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