The nurse is caring for a patient with wheezes, shortness of breath, urticaria and itching after receiving a new antibiotic The nurse understands that the epinephrine in this situation would be administered intramuscularly (IM), rather than intravenously (IV) because:
IM epinephrine is the fastest route of administration
IV epinephrine is only administered during cardiac arrest
Epinephrine would not be administered in this situation
IM epinephrine is less concentrated than IV.
The Correct Answer is B
A) IM epinephrine is the fastest route of administration:
While epinephrine is often administered intramuscularly in cases of anaphylaxis and allergic reactions, the speed of action is not the primary reason for choosing this route over intravenous (IV) administration in this situation. Intramuscular administration of epinephrine allows for a rapid onset of action, but it is not necessarily the fastest route compared to IV. IV administration would act more quickly in an emergency setting where immediate blood circulation is critical, but IM is preferred in allergic reactions to prevent excessive systemic effects and to avoid rapid peaks in plasma levels.
B) IV epinephrine is only administered during cardiac arrest:
Epinephrine is generally administered intravenously during life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest or severe shock, where immediate circulatory effects are needed. In cases of anaphylaxis, however, intramuscular (IM) administration of epinephrine is the preferred route because it allows for a more controlled absorption rate and reduces the risk of excessive blood pressure and other adverse cardiovascular effects. This is the correct rationale for why epinephrine is administered IM in the context of an allergic reaction.
C) Epinephrine would not be administered in this situation:
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, especially in cases where symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, urticaria, and itching are present. Therefore, withholding epinephrine is not an appropriate response in this situation. Immediate intervention with epinephrine is critical to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and prevent further respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse.
D) IM epinephrine is less concentrated than IV:
The concentration of epinephrine used for IM and IV administration is the same. The primary reason for choosing the IM route over the IV route is the slower absorption and the fact that it minimizes the risk of a rapid increase in systemic blood pressure and other adverse reactions. While IM epinephrine may be absorbed more slowly than IV, its concentration is appropriate for treating anaphylaxis effectively. The choice of IM is based on safety and controlled response, not on the concentration of the drug.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Encourage the client to ambulate and perform deep breathing exercises:
While ambulation and deep breathing exercises are important for post-operative recovery, they are not the priority intervention in this scenario. The client is presenting with abdominal distension and pain, which could indicate a potential complication such as bowel obstruction, ileus, or internal bleeding. These symptoms need to be thoroughly evaluated by the healthcare provider to rule out serious complications.
B) Notify the healthcare provider and prepare the client for further testing:
The combination of abdominal pain and distension in a client who is four days post-operative for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is concerning for potential complications such as bowel ischemia, internal bleeding, or post-operative ileus. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and possible diagnostic tests, such as imaging or a physical exam to evaluate for signs of ischemia or obstruction
C) Document the client's symptoms and continue to monitor:
Although documenting and monitoring the client's symptoms is important in nursing care, it is not the most appropriate immediate response. Given the symptoms, including pain and abdominal distension, there is a potential for a serious complication, and simply continuing to monitor without notifying the healthcare provider could delay diagnosis and treatment.
D) Administer pain medication and explain this is normal:
While it is important to manage the client's pain, explaining that the symptoms are "normal" could lead to a delay in identifying a potentially serious issue. Abdominal distension and pain post-operatively in a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery should never be assumed to be a normal part of recovery without further investigation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room:
The cerebellum plays a critical role in coordinating movement, balance, and motor control. An injury to this area can lead to impaired coordination and dysfunction in balance, making it difficult for the patient to perform the Romberg test (which evaluates balance and proprioception). Given that the patient cannot complete the Romberg test, this suggests the risk of falling or injuring themselves due to impaired balance and coordination. The priority nursing intervention is to ensure safety by using a bed alarm to alert staff if the patient attempts to get out of bed, thereby preventing falls.
B) Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom:
While changing the patient's routine may help with engagement, it is not the priority intervention for a patient with cerebellar injury. The primary concern in this situation is safety due to the patient's impaired balance. Addressing issues related to cognitive function or boredom may be important but comes after ensuring the patient’s physical safety.
C) Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused:
Reorientation may be necessary if the patient is confused or disoriented, but this is not the primary concern related to cerebellar injury. The patient’s balance and motor coordination are the most pressing issues. While mental clarity is important, preventing falls due to impaired motor control is the immediate priority.
D) Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education:
Deep breathing exercises and using an incentive spirometer are essential to prevent respiratory complications, particularly after surgery or immobility. However, in this case, the priority concern is the patient's safety related to impaired balance from the cerebellar injury. Respiratory interventions are important but should be addressed after ensuring that the patient is safe from falls and other immediate physical risks.
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