The nurse is caring for a client in the burn unit with burns to the head, neck, chest back left arm and hand following an explosion in their garage. Upon admission, the nurse auscultates wheezes throughout all lung fields and applies oxygen via non-rebreather. One hour later, upon reassessment, the patient is visibly anxious and short of breath, wheezes cannot be heard, lung sounds are decreased, voice is hoarse, and the client is coughing up gray sputum. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
Notify the physician and anticipate the need for endotracheal intubation
Place the client in semi-fowler's position and administer albuterol breathing treatment
Encourage the client to cough, take deep breaths, and then auscultate again
Recommend a medical prescription for guaifenesin and encourage use of incentive spirometry
The Correct Answer is A
A. Notify the physician and anticipate the need for endotracheal intubation
The client is showing progressive airway obstruction due to inhalation injury. The absence of wheezes indicates impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate airway management.
B. Place the client in semi-Fowler's position and administer an albuterol breathing treatment
Albuterol may help bronchospasm, but this client's issue is upper airway swelling, not bronchospasm. Intubation is the priority.
C. Encourage the client to cough, take deep breaths, and then auscultate again
The loss of wheezes suggests airway swelling has worsened, not that secretions are the issue. Immediate intervention is needed.
D. Recommend a medical prescription for guaifenesin and encourage use of incentive spirometry
Guaifenesin and incentive spirometry help with secretion clearance, but they are not the priority in this emergent airway situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Administer each unit of blood over 3–4 hours
Older clients with CHF cannot tolerate rapid fluid shifts. Blood should be administered slowly (over 3–4 hours per unit) to prevent fluid overload.
B. Anticipate an order for acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is not routinely given before blood transfusions unless the client has a history of febrile reactions.
C. Anticipate an order for furosemide administration
Loop diuretics like furosemide may be ordered between units to prevent fluid overload in CHF patients.
D. Assess for signs and symptoms of fluid overload
CHF patients are at high risk for fluid overload, leading to dyspnea, crackles, and increased BP.
E. Anticipate administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for the next transfusion
FFP is given for coagulation disorders, not for treating anemia in a GI bleed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Review dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) choices in a client with primary HTN
Dietary education requires nursing judgment and assessment, which are outside the CNA’s scope of practice. This should be done by the RN or a dietitian.
B. With one other CNA, logroll a client who has had a bicycle accident
Logrolling is required in patients with spinal precautions, and an RN or physical therapist should oversee or perform the procedure to ensure proper spinal alignment.
C. Obtain a weight on a newly admitted client with diabetes
Measuring weight is within a CNA’s scope of practice, and it does not require clinical judgment. The CNA can obtain the weight and report findings to the RN.
D. Assist a client to the bathroom 1 hour after a lumbar puncture
A client who has undergone a lumbar puncture is at risk for post-procedure headaches and hypotension due to cerebrospinal fluid loss. The RN should assess the client first before allowing ambulation.
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.