The nurse is caring for a client after an endoscopy. The client is lethargic and not responding to verbal commands. The priority nursing action is to:
assess the client's airway and breathing.
assess the client's gag reflex.
call the physician immediately.
document this as normal findings and reassess in half an hour.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The client's lethargy and lack of response to verbal commands raise concerns about their level of consciousness and potential airway compromise. Assessing the client's airway and breathing involves ensuring that the airway is clear, assessing respiratory rate and effort, and monitoring oxygenation.
B. Assessing the gag reflex can provide additional information about airway protection. However, it should not delay assessment and intervention for airway and breathing concerns.
C. Contacting the physician may be necessary but it is not the priority nursing action in this situation. The nurse should first assess the client's airway and breathing to ensure their safety and stability.
D. The client's lethargy and unresponsiveness are not normal findings after an endoscopy and require immediate assessment and intervention. Delaying assessment and intervention could lead to serious complications, including respiratory compromise or airway obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Administering naloxone is often the priority action for a client exhibiting symptoms of opiate intoxication, especially if they are experiencing significant respiratory depression or unconsciousness. Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression and sedation.
A. Opening the crash cart is not the priority action for a client exhibiting symptoms of opiate intoxication unless the client's condition deteriorates rapidly, leading to a life-threatening emergency such as respiratory depression or cardiac arrest.
B. This intervention is important for clients experiencing respiratory depression, hypoxemia, or altered mental status due to opiate overdose. However, it may not be the highest priority action if the client's respiratory status is stable
D. Contacting the client's parents or guardians is important for obtaining medical history, consent for treatment (if applicable), and support. However, it may not be the highest priority action in the immediate management of opiate intoxication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Given the client's confusion and the daughter's behavior of constantly interrupting and not allowing the client to answer, there may be concerns about elder abuse or neglect. It's essential to create a safe and private environment for the client to speak freely without interference.
A. The client's confusion and reluctance to speak may raise concerns about their mental status. However, requesting a psychiatric evaluation is not the priority in this scenario. The client's immediate needs, including hydration, nutrition, and safety, should be addressed first.
C. Addressing malnutrition is important but providing nutritional counseling is not the priority in this scenario. The client's severe dehydration and potential abuse or neglect take precedence over nutritional concerns.
D. Obtaining information from the daughter may be helpful but it should not be the sole source of information, especially if there are concerns about the daughter's behavior and potential interference with the client's ability to communicate.
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