The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis who suddenly becomes short of breath, anxious, and restless.
The vital signs are: heart rate 130 beats/minute, respirations 42/minute, blood pressure 90/50, and pulse oximetry is 90%. An intravenous infusion of normal saline is running at 75ml/hr. The nurse elevates the head of the bed and applies nasal oxygen at 2L/min.
What action should the nurse take next?
Administer the PRN antianxiety medication.
Call the rapid response team.
Increase the intravenous infusion rate.
Prepare for mechanical ventilation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering the PRN antianxiety medication is not the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms—shortness of breath, anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation—are indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis. While anxiety can be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, treating it without addressing the underlying cause could delay necessary medical intervention.
Choice B rationale
Calling the rapid response team is the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The rapid response team can provide the necessary urgent care.
Choice C rationale
Increasing the intravenous infusion rate is not the most appropriate next step. While hydration is important, it would not address the immediate life-threatening situation. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for mechanical ventilation is not the most appropriate next step. While the client’s decreased oxygen saturation and increased respiratory rate suggest respiratory distress, the priority should be to address the potential pulmonary embolism. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary later depending on the client’s response to treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering the prescribed antibiotic early might not be the most immediate action. While antibiotics can help treat an infection, it’s crucial to first confirm the presence of an infection before starting antibiotic therapy.
Choice B rationale
Applying a sterile dressing to the area is important, but it’s not the priority nursing action. Dressings help protect the wound from further contamination, but they do not address the underlying issue of a potential infection.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the finding to the care provider is the priority nursing action. The symptoms described - a new foul odor coming from the incision, which is erythematous, tender, and warm to the touch - suggest a possible infection. Immediate reporting allows for prompt evaluation and treatment, which is crucial in preventing further complications.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a culture of the incision might be necessary to identify the specific causative agent of the infection, but it’s not the priority action. It’s more important to first report the findings to the care provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections. One of the key instructions for patients taking this medication is to increase fluid intake to 3 to
4 liters per 24 hours. This is because the medication can crystallize in the urine, which can lead to kidney stones or damage if the patient is not adequately hydrated.
Choice B rationale
Spending time in the sun does not improve the metabolism of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In fact, the medication can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn.
Choice C rationale
Taking Kaopectate daily to prevent diarrhea is not a standard instruction for patients taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Diarrhea can be a side effect of the medication, but it should be managed under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
There is no specific instruction to take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole every morning at the same time as hydrochlorothiazide. The timing of medication administration should be determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient’s overall treatment plan.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.