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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Metal catheters with prostatic curves are used in challenging cases of urinary retention caused by BPH. However, these catheters are not the first-line intervention due to their specialized nature and the risk of injury. Less invasive measures should be tried first.

Choice B rationale

Cystostomy, a surgical procedure that creates a suprapubic urinary drainage site, is reserved for severe cases of urinary retention where catheterization fails. It is not the initial step due to its invasive nature and requirement for surgical expertise.

Choice C rationale

Inserting an indwelling urethral catheter is the first-line action for managing acute urinary retention associated with BPH. It provides immediate bladder decompression, relieves discomfort, and reduces risks of complications like hydronephrosis or bladder rupture.

Choice D rationale

Discussing surgical options addresses the long-term management of BPH but does not resolve acute urinary retention. Interventions like catheterization should first alleviate symptoms before evaluating the need for definitive surgical treatment. .

A. Refer the client to see an optometrist. B. Ask if the client wears glasses or contact lenses. C. Obtain a prescription for stat laboratory tests. D. Obtain the client's blood pressure.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Referring the client to see an optometrist is inappropriate because visual disturbances can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention rather than routine visual examination. Toxicity manifests due to elevated serum digoxin levels, with symptoms including blurred vision and yellow-green halos. Normal digoxin range is 0.5-2.0 ng/mL.

Choice B rationale

Asking if the client wears glasses or contact lenses does not address the root cause of visual disturbances, which is likely linked to digoxin toxicity. Such queries delay prompt medical intervention needed to evaluate and manage the client’s condition. Ocular aids are unrelated to pharmacological adverse effects.

Choice C rationale

Obtaining a prescription for stat laboratory tests is essential for assessing serum digoxin levels and electrolytes, particularly potassium, as hypokalemia increases sensitivity to digoxin toxicity. Prompt identification of toxicity allows timely interventions, including discontinuation of digoxin or administration of antidotes like Digibind.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining the client’s blood pressure is irrelevant in this scenario, as visual disturbances are not indicative of blood pressure abnormalities but rather digoxin toxicity. Immediate focus should be on confirming and managing toxicity through laboratory evaluation and clinical assessment.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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