The nurse assists with care of a confused patient who presents to the emergency department with stroke symptoms. Vital signs are blood pressure 174/100 mm Hg. pulse 64 beats per minute, and SpO2 88% on room air. Which nursing intervention is priority?
Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) exam
Obtain intravenous access
Administer 2 L of oxygen per nasal cannula
Obtain a rectal temperature
The Correct Answer is C
A. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) exam: While an ECG is important to assess cardiac status, it is not the immediate priority compared to addressing the low oxygen saturation.
B. Obtain intravenous access: IV access is important for administering medications and fluids but does not take precedence over addressing hypoxia.
C. Administer 2 L of oxygen per nasal cannula: This is correct. The priority is to improve oxygenation since hypoxia can exacerbate neurological damage in a stroke patient. An SpO2 of 88% is low and requires immediate correction to prevent further complications.
D. Obtain a rectal temperature: Temperature assessment is not as urgent as addressing the immediate need for oxygen to improve SpO2 levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Paresthesia: Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia) can occur due to decreased blood supply and nerve function.
B. Pruritus: Itching (pruritus) is not typically associated with arterial occlusion. It is more often related to skin conditions or allergies.
C. Pain: Pain is a hallmark symptom of arterial occlusion, often described as severe and sudden, due to tissue ischemia.
D. Pallor: Affected limbs or areas may appear pale (pallor) because of reduced blood flow.
E. Palpitations: Palpitations are not a direct symptom of arterial occlusion. They are more related to cardiac conditions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Ecchymosis: Ecchymosis (bruising) is not a typical symptom of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. It generally indicates bleeding or trauma to the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
B. Stasis ulcers: Stasis ulcers are associated with chronic venous insufficiency, not peripheral arterial disease.
C. Angina: Angina refers to chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, and it is associated with coronary artery disease, not peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
D. Intermittent claudication: This is the classic symptom of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, characterized by muscle pain or cramping in the legs triggered by physical activity and relieved by rest. It is due to insufficient blood flow to the muscles during exercise.
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