The nurse is performing a health screening for a client at a local clinic and the client states, "I have noticed changes in my vision recently and I have also had some bad headaches.”. Which of the following actions should be a priority for the nurse to take?
Ask if the client took any medication to treat the headache.
Refer the client to see an eye specialist.
Obtain the client's blood pressure.
Obtain a full history and physical.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Asking about medication use for headaches provides insights into pain management strategies but does not directly address underlying causes of symptoms. Vision changes and headaches may indicate neurological or cardiovascular issues, which require immediate investigation of vital signs like blood pressure to rule out hypertension or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Referring the client to an eye specialist addresses vision changes but neglects the acute nature of headaches. Hypertension or elevated intracranial pressure can affect both vision and cause headaches, and immediate assessment of these factors through blood pressure is more urgent.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining blood pressure evaluates for hypertension, which can manifest with headaches and visual disturbances due to increased arterial pressure affecting cerebral and ocular vessels. Normal blood pressure ranges are typically 120/80 mmHg. Immediate blood pressure measurement prioritizes acute care and mitigates potentially life-threatening conditions.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a full history and physical is valuable for comprehensive care but delays immediate assessment of critical symptoms such as visual changes and headaches. Measuring blood pressure provides faster evaluation of acute conditions like hypertensive crisis or stroke risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Magnesium levels and bilateral lower extremity ultrasounds are not specific for assessing target organ damage in hypertension. While magnesium may influence cardiovascular health, it is not a primary indicator of organ damage. Ultrasounds evaluate arterial or venous abnormalities, not hypertension’s systemic effects.
Choice B rationale
Urinalysis, blood chemistry, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram assess renal, metabolic, and cardiac effects of hypertension. Proteinuria in urinalysis indicates kidney damage. Electrolyte imbalances or creatinine elevations suggest renal impairment. An ECG reveals left ventricular hypertrophy or ischemia. These tests comprehensively evaluate hypertension-related complications.
Choice C rationale
A complete blood count evaluates blood cell counts but does not directly assess target organ damage from hypertension. An electroencephalogram assesses brain activity, not hypertension-induced injury. These tests are inappropriate for this diagnostic goal.
Choice D rationale
Troponin, calcium, and partial thromboplastin time evaluate myocardial infarction, bone health, and coagulation, respectively. They do not provide information about hypertension’s systemic organ effects. Accurate test selection ensures appropriate diagnostic focus.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Teaching preventive measures is important for reducing recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These measures may include proper hydration, perineal hygiene, and urinating after intercourse. However, addressing preventive strategies is a long-term consideration and not the immediate priority for managing the active infection or preventing acute complications.
Choice B rationale
Preventing progression to complications is the priority in lower UTIs to avoid upper urinary tract involvement, such as pyelonephritis. This involves timely antibiotic administration and monitoring for signs like fever, flank pain, or worsening urinary symptoms. Pyelonephritis can lead to systemic complications like sepsis, making prevention critical to client safety.
Choice C rationale
Educating about treatment, such as the prescribed antibiotics and their potential side effects, ensures adherence and understanding. While valuable, it does not take precedence over immediate measures to halt disease progression or complications. Education supports long-term management but follows urgent clinical priorities.
Choice D rationale
Pain management is essential for comfort, addressing dysuria or pelvic pain associated with UTIs. Methods include analgesics like phenazopyridine. However, it is a supportive measure rather than a critical intervention for preventing complications, making it secondary to stopping the progression of the infection.
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