Two days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?
Notify the healthcare provider.
Prepare a continuous heparin infusion per protocol.
Provide supplemental oxygen.
Bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should prioritize interventions that address the client's immediate needs, such as oxygenation and circulation.
Choice B reason: Preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is an appropriate action for preventing further clot formation and reducing the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition before administering anticoagulant therapy.
Choice D reason: Bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is a prudent action, but not the first one. The nurse should prepare for possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac arrest, but should first attempt to prevent it by providing oxygen and other supportive measures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that are not as critical as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein in erythrocytes that binds oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by erythrocytes. ESRD can cause anemia (low erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels) due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte formation, by the kidneys. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath.
Choice C reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are laboratory results that are not as relevant as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Leukocytes are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. Neutrophils are a type of leukocyte that respond to bacterial infection. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can cause leukopenia (low leukocyte levels) and neutropenia (low neutrophil levels) due to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. ESRD can also cause hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels) due to reduced clearance of thyroid hormones by the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, or depression.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are not laboratory results, but vital signs that should be monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Temperature is the measure of body heat. ESRD can cause hypertension (high blood pressurE. due to fluid overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Hypertension can cause headache, chest pain, or stroke. ESRD can also cause tachycardia (high heart ratE. due to anemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalance. Tachycardia can cause palpitations, dizziness, or heart failure. ESRD can also cause fever (high temperaturE. due to infection or inflammation. Fever can cause chills, sweating, or delirium.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Consuming foods with saturated fats is not a healthy lifestyle change for a client with coronary artery disease, as this can increase the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which can lead to plaque formation and narrowing of the arteries. Therefore, this statement indicates that the client needs additional education.
Choice B: Walking 30 minutes per day is a beneficial lifestyle change for a client with coronary artery disease, as this can improve the blood circulation, lower the blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, this statement does not indicate that the client needs additional education.
Choice C: Using a salt substitute is a helpful lifestyle change for a client with coronary artery disease, as this can reduce the sodium intake, which can lower the blood pressure and prevent fluid retention. Therefore, this statement does not indicate that the client needs additional education.
Choice D: Keeping a food diary is a useful lifestyle change for a client with coronary artery disease, as this can help the client monitor their calorie intake, portion size, and nutritional quality of their food. This can also help the client identify and avoid unhealthy food choices. Therefore, this statement does not indicate that the client needs additional education.
Choice E: Eating more canned vegetables is not a good lifestyle change for a client with coronary artery disease, as canned vegetables often contain high amounts of sodium, which can raise the blood pressure and worsen the condition. Therefore, this statement indicates that the client needs additional education.
Choice F: Including oatmeal for breakfast is an advantageous lifestyle change for a client with coronary artery disease, as oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which can lower the cholesterol level and prevent plaque formation in the arteries. Therefore, this statement does not indicate that the client needs additional education.
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