The patient is a 49-year-old male who has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for 4 days.

He came to the emergency department (ED) last night when his breathing difficulties increased. He has a history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.

He has no significant medical or surgical history.

Which two orders should the nurse prioritize?

Chest x-ray

Run 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour

Sputum culture

Start oxygen 3 L/minute via nasal cannula

Start a peripheral IV

Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 6 hours for temperature greater than 38.3° C .

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,D

Choice A rationale
A chest x-ray is a critical diagnostic tool for a patient presenting with flu-like symptoms, fever, chest congestion, and increased breathing difficulties. It can help identify conditions such as pneumonia or other lung diseases, which could be causing the patient’s symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While hydration is important, running a 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour is not the most immediate need for this patient. The patient’s symptoms are primarily respiratory, and there is no indication of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture could be useful for diagnosing bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. However, it is not the most immediate need for this patient, as the results of a culture test can take time to come back.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Given the patient’s increased breathing difficulties, starting oxygen therapy can help improve the patient’s oxygen levels and ease their breathing.
Choice E rationale

Starting a peripheral IV might be necessary for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the most immediate need in this scenario.
Choice F rationale
While controlling the patient’s fever is important, it is not as immediate a need as performing a chest x-ray and starting oxygen therapy.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the patient’s cardiac activity via telemetry is the most important intervention for a patient with acute renal failure (ARF), uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus, and hyperkalemia who is receiving an IV dose of regular insulin. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiac complications. Therefore, continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial to detect any changes in heart rhythm or rate that could indicate worsening hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale
While assessing glucose via fingerstick every 4 to 6 hours is important for a patient with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus, it is not the most important intervention in this scenario. The patient’s hyperkalemia and ARF pose more immediate risks.
Choice C rationale
Evaluating hourly urine output for return of normal renal function is an important part of monitoring a patient with ARF34. However, in the context of hyperkalemia and the administration of insulin, cardiac monitoring is more critical.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining venous access with an infusion of normal saline is a standard nursing intervention for most hospitalized patients, but it is not the most important intervention in this scenario.

A. Activate the synchronization mode. B. Choose a monitor lead with a tall R wave. C. Administer the prescribed sedative. D. Verify the prothrombin time (PT).

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Activating the synchronization mode is important during cardioversion to avoid delivering a shock during the vulnerable period of cardiac repolarization, which could potentially cause a life-threatening arrhythmia. However, it is not the most crucial action.
Choice B rationale
Choosing a monitor lead with a tall R wave can help ensure that the cardioverter-defibrillator can sense the patient’s intrinsic cardiac activity. However, this is not the most crucial action.
Choice C rationale
Administering the prescribed sedative is the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion. Sedation is necessary to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during the procedure, as cardioversion can be painful.
Choice D rationale

Verifying the prothrombin time (PT) is important in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy, as atrial fibrillation increases the risk of thrombus formation. However, it is not the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with acute renal failure (ARF) is admitted due to uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperkalemia. The nurse administers an IV dose of regular insulin per sliding scale. What is the most important intervention for the nurse to include in this patient’s plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with acute gastritis caused by drinking contaminated water. The nurse should emphasize the need to report the onset of which problem?

A client with gout in the left great toe has received a prescription for prednisone 30 mg by mouth to be administered each day. Which symptom is most important for the client to report to the healthcare provider?

A caregiver brings a client with end-stage Alzheimer’s disease to the clinic for an appointment with the healthcare provider. The caregiver confides in the nurse about experiencing sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying. What action should the nurse take?

The nurse inspects the airway and finds no visible trauma, and the airway appears to be patent. What other assessment items are included in the primary survey? Select all that apply.

A patient admitted to the hospital with a suspected ruptured diverticulum develops signs and symptoms of septic shock. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

A mother rushes into the emergency department carrying her toddler who has been exposed to some cleaning products. The child has a chemical smell on their hands, face, and clothes. After ensuring the airway is patent, which action should the nurse take first?