A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in the emergency department who reports severe radiating chest pain and shortness of breath. The client appears restless, frightened, and slightly cyanotic. The provider prescribes oxygen by nasal cannula at 4 L/min stat, cardiac enzyme levels, IV fluids, and a 12-lead ECG. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Obtain a blood sample.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Insert the IV catheter.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: While attaching leads for a 12-lead ECG is important, it is not the most immediate action required for a client showing signs of distress and potential hypoxia.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for diagnosing the cause of chest pain but is not the first priority in an emergency situation.
Choice C reason: Initiating oxygen therapy is the first and most critical step in managing a client with severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and cyanosis to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Choice D reason: Inserting an IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids but comes after ensuring the client is receiving sufficient oxygen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sweating can be an atypical symptom of a myocardial infarction, especially if it is sudden and occurs without exertion.
Choice B reason: Fatigue, particularly if it is new or unexplained, can be a sign of a myocardial infarction.
Choice C reason: Shortness of breath without chest pain can also be an atypical presentation of a myocardial infarction.
Choice D reason: Dizziness, especially if associated with other symptoms, can indicate a myocardial infarction.
Choice E reason: Nausea is another atypical symptom that can occur with a myocardial infarction.
Choice F reason: Pain between the shoulder blades can be an atypical symptom of a myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is not primarily performed to increase blood flow to the myocardium. Instead, it aims to restore blood flow to areas of the heart affected by blockages.
Choice B Reason:CABG does not intentionally decrease blood flow to the coronary arteries. On the contrary, it creates a new pathway to bypass blocked or partially blocked coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
Choice C Reason:The primary purpose of CABG is to treat coronary artery disease by restoring blood flow to areas of the heart that aren't receiving enough blood. It involves using healthy blood vessels (usually from the chest or leg) to create a detour around blockages. By doing so, CABG improves heart function and reduces symptoms related to ischemia.
Choice D Reason:While CABG can indirectly prevent spasms of the coronary arteries by improving blood flow, it is not its primary purpose.
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