The nurse is providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. What nursing intervention takes the highest priority?

Maintain a patent airway

Place an intravenous catheter (IV)

Administer diazepam, per order

Insert a nasogastric tube (NG)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Maintaining a patent airway is the highest priority when providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or recurrent seizures. It can lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress and hypoxia.
Therefore, ensuring a patent airway is crucial to prevent hypoxia and further brain damage. This involves positioning the patient to prevent aspiration, potentially suctioning the airway, and providing supplemental oxygen as needed.
Choice B rationale
While placing an intravenous catheter (IV) is an important intervention, it is not the highest priority. An IV allows for the administration of medications and fluids, which are necessary in the management of status epilepticus. However, it is secondary to maintaining a patent airway.
Choice C rationale
Administering diazepam or other antiepileptic drugs is a key intervention in managing status epilepticus. These medications help to stop the seizures. However, medication administration should only occur after a patent airway has been established.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a nasogastric tube (NG) may be necessary in some cases to protect the airway or for administering medications or nutrition. However, this is not the highest priority intervention. The first step in managing status epilepticus is always to ensure a patent airway.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["35 "]

Explanation

Step 1 is to calculate the total daily dosage in milligrams. This is done by multiplying the weight of the client by the ordered daily dosage. So, 70 kg × 25 mg/kg = 1750 mg/day.

Step 2 is to divide the total daily dosage by the number of doses per day to get the dosage per dose. So, 1750 mg ÷ 2 = 875 mg/dose.

Step 3 is to calculate the volume of the dose in milliliters. The supply of Amoxicillin is 125 mg/5 mL, which means there are 125 mg of Amoxicillin in every 5 mL. So, to find out how many milliliters contain 875 mg, we set up a proportion: (125 mg / 5 mL) = (875 mg / x mL). Solving for x gives x = (875 mg × 5 mL) ÷ 125 mg = 35 mL. Therefore, the correct dosage for one dose is 35 mL.

A. Ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications. B. Assess the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications. C. The patient accurately describes the directions for administering the medications. D. Assess the patient’s functional status.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
The best way to determine if a patient can safely and effectively self-administer medications is to ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications. This allows the nurse to directly observe the patient’s technique, identify any errors, and provide immediate feedback and instruction. It also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings. This method is often referred to as the “show-back” or “teach-back” method and is widely used in patient education to confirm understanding and competency.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications can provide useful information, it does not directly assess the patient’s ability to self-administer the new eye medications. Previous difficulties may be due to factors that do not apply to the current situation, such as complex medication regimens, cognitive impairment, or lack of resources.
Choice C rationale
Although the patient accurately describing the directions for administering the medications indicates that the patient understands the instructions, it does not necessarily mean that the patient can perform the task correctly. Physical limitations, dexterity issues, or misunderstanding of the instructions can still result in incorrect administration.
Choice D rationale

Assessing the patient’s functional status can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall ability to perform activities of daily living, including medication management.
However, it does not specifically assess the patient’s ability to self-administer eye medications.

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The nurse is providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. What nursing intervention takes the highest priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["35 "]

Explanation

The nurse is educating a patient who has been newly prescribed eye medications to treat glaucoma. How can the nurse best determine if the patient can safely and effectively self-administer the medications?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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