When the nurse enters the room of a male client who was admitted for a fractured femur, his cardiac monitor displays a normal sinus rhythm (NSR), but he has no spontaneous respirations and his carotid pulse is not palpable. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Observe for swelling at the fracture site.
Analyze the cardiac rhythm in another lead.
Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Begin chest compressions at 100/minute.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D: Begin chest compressions at 100/minute.
Choice A rationale:
Observing for swelling at the fracture site is not immediately relevant in this emergency situation. The priority is to address the lack of pulse and respiration.
Choice B rationale:
Analyzing the cardiac rhythm in another lead is unnecessary when the patient has no pulse and is not breathing. Immediate life-saving measures are required.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the priority in this scenario. The patient needs immediate resuscitation efforts.
Choice D rationale:
Beginning chest compressions at 100/minute is the correct intervention. The absence of a carotid pulse and spontaneous respirations indicates cardiac arrest, and chest compressions are essential to maintain circulation and oxygenation until further help arrives.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
After retinal detachment surgery, it is crucial to protect the eye and the surgical repair site from accidental trauma or pressure. Providing an eye shield helps to shield the eye during sleep when the client may not have conscious control over their movements.
This can help prevent inadvertent rubbing or bumping of the eye, which could potentially disrupt the surgical repair and hinder the healing process.
Obtaining vital signs every 2 hours during hospitalization is a routine nursing intervention for postoperative care in general but is not specific to retinal detachment surgery. The frequency of vital sign monitoring may vary depending on the client's overall condition and the healthcare provider's orders.
Teaching a family member to administer eye drops may be necessary for the client's ongoing care, but it is not specifically related to the immediate postoperative period. Eye drop administration instructions can be provided as part of the client's discharge teaching.
Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is a general postoperative intervention that promotes respiratory function and helps prevent complications such as pneumonia. While important for overall postoperative care, it is not specific to retinal detachment surgery.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Begin chest compressions at 100/minute.
Choice A rationale:
Observing for swelling at the fracture site is not immediately relevant in this emergency situation. The priority is to address the lack of pulse and respiration.
Choice B rationale:
Analyzing the cardiac rhythm in another lead is unnecessary when the patient has no pulse and is not breathing. Immediate life-saving measures are required.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the priority in this scenario. The patient needs immediate resuscitation efforts.
Choice D rationale:
Beginning chest compressions at 100/minute is the correct intervention. The absence of a carotid pulse and spontaneous respirations indicates cardiac arrest, and chest compressions are essential to maintain circulation and oxygenation until further help arrives.
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.
