The nurse is providing care for a client who is unconscious. What nursing intervention takes highest priority?

Maintaining accurate records of intake and output

Maintaining a patent airway

Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube as prescribed

Providing appropriate pain control

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Maintaining accurate records of intake and output: While monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance and kidney function, it is not as immediate a concern as maintaining an airway in an unconscious client.

B. Maintaining a patent airway: This is the highest priority because an unconscious client is at high risk of airway obstruction due to the loss of protective reflexes. Ensuring that the airway remains open is critical to prevent respiratory distress or arrest.

C. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube as prescribed: Inserting an NG tube might be necessary for feeding or draining gastric contents, but it is secondary to the more urgent need of ensuring a clear airway.

D. Providing appropriate pain control: Pain control is important but should be considered after addressing more immediate threats to the client's safety, such as maintaining a patent airway.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Instruct to resume regular activities such as driving. It is not safe to instruct the client to resume activities like driving immediately, especially at the beginning of lithium therapy, as lithium can cause side effects that may impair the client's ability to safely perform tasks such as driving.

B. Administer lithium before meals. Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Administering it before meals may increase the risk of side effects like nausea.

C. Withhold if serum level is less than 1.5 mEq. Lithium should be withheld if the serum level is above the therapeutic range (typically 0.6–1.2 mEq/L), as higher levels can lead to toxicity. Withholding lithium if the level is less than 1.5 mEq/L is incorrect and could lead to inadequate treatment.

D. Instruct to avoid breastfeeding. Lithium is excreted in breast milk and can pose a risk to the infant, so the client should be advised against breastfeeding while on lithium therapy.

A. Normal pessimism of the elderly. B. A cry for sympathy. C. Normal grieving. D. Evidence of high suicide potential.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Normal pessimism of the elderly: This statement downplays the seriousness of the client’s feelings. Although some elderly individuals may experience sadness, these statements suggest a deeper issue that should not be considered normal.

B. A cry for sympathy: This response dismisses the client's feelings as attention-seeking, which could lead to missing a serious issue, such as depression or suicidal ideation.

C. Normal grieving: While grief can lead to feelings of sadness, the statements indicate a broader sense of hopelessness and worthlessness, which goes beyond normal grieving.

D. Evidence of high suicide potential: The client’s statements suggest feelings of hopelessness and despair, which are red flags for suicide risk, especially in elderly clients. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.

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The nurse is providing care for a client who is unconscious. What nursing intervention takes highest priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following nursing interventions should a nurse perform when caring for a female client with mood disorder who is prescribed lithium?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client, age 79 years, tells the home visiting nurse, "I've been feeling down for the last few days. I don't have much to live for. My family and friends are all dead. My money's running out, and my health is failing." The nurse should assess this as:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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