Which nursing intervention takes highest priority for the nurse caring for an unconscious patient?
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter
Putting a nasogastric (NG) tube in place
Maintaining a patent airway
Administering an enema daily
The Correct Answer is C
A. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter – Incorrect. While catheterization may be necessary, it is not the highest priority for an unconscious patient.
B. Putting a nasogastric (NG) tube in place – Incorrect. NG tube placement can be useful for feeding or decompressing the stomach, but airway management takes precedence.
C. Maintaining a patent airway – Correct Answer. Airway patency is the top priority in an unconscious patient to prevent aspiration, hypoxia, or respiratory failure.
D. Administering an enema daily – Incorrect. This is not a priority in unconscious patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Infuse the transfusion at a rate of 200 mL/hr. – Incorrect. The initial infusion should be slow (e.g., 75-100 mL/hr) to monitor for reactions.
B. Check the patient's vital signs every hour during the transfusion. – Correct Answer. Frequent monitoring is necessary to detect adverse reactions, such as fever or hypotension.
C. Leave the patient 5 minutes after beginning the transfusion. – Incorrect. The nurse should remain with the patient for the first 15 minutes, as most transfusion reactions occur early.
D. Flush the blood tubing with dextrose 5% in water. – Incorrect. Only normal saline should be used to flush blood tubing, as dextrose can cause hemolysis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Moving objects prevents injury during a seizure.
B. Incorrect. The patient should be placed on their side to maintain airway patency.
C. Incorrect. Restraining the patient can cause injury.
D. Incorrect. Never insert anything into a seizing patient’s mouth, as it can obstruct the airway or break teeth.
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