The nurse is triaging an older client in the emergency department. The nurse notes the client has a heart rate 145 beats/minute, respiratory rate 28 breaths/min, temperature 106° F (41.1°C), and the client appears agitated and will not hold still long enough to get an accurate blood pressure reading. The client's family reports they have been outdoors in the hot sun all morning and approximately 60 minutes ago the client began acting very confused. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Give acetaminophen 1000 mg PO for fever
Offer the client warm blankets for shivering
Start IV fluids using a warmed solution
Start IV fluids using a cooled solution
The Correct Answer is D
A. Acetaminophen is not effective in treating heat stroke, as this condition is not caused by an infection or hypothalamic reset but by failure of thermoregulation.
B. Warm blankets would worsen hyperthermia and are contraindicated in heat stroke.
C. Warm IV fluids would further increase body temperature, worsening the client’s condition.
D. The client is showing signs of heat stroke (very high temperature, confusion, tachycardia, tachypnea, and environmental exposure). The priority intervention is rapid cooling, which includes using cooled IV fluids, cooling blankets, ice packs to the groin/axillae, and removing excess clothing. This helps to lower the dangerously high core temperature and prevent organ failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased renal perfusion and is associated with prerenal acute kidney injury, not post renal.
B. Long-term NSAID use can cause intrarenal acute kidney injury by damaging renal tissue through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and decreased renal blood flow.
C. Acute glomerulonephritis results in intrarenal acute kidney injury due to inflammation and damage to the glomeruli.
D. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause urinary tract obstruction by compressing the urethra, leading to urinary retention and backflow of urine into the kidneys. This obstruction results in post renal acute kidney injury.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","F","G","H","L"]
Explanation
A. Warm blankets provide external rewarming.
B. The room should be kept warm, not decreased.
C. Warm IV fluids prevent further heat loss and aid internal rewarming.
D. Acetaminophen is for fever reduction, not for hypothermia management.
E. A fan would worsen heat loss.
F. Warmed, humidified oxygen prevents further cooling and helps raise core body temperature.
G. Cardiac monitoring is essential since hypothermia increases the risk for arrhythmias.
H. A radiant warmer provides effective external rewarming.
I. Monitoring core temperature ensures safe and effective rewarming.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
