Which of these interventions should be the highest priority when caring for a patient with suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture?
Obtaining a STAT electrocardiogram
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter
Increasing cardiac contractility
Maintaining blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining a STAT electrocardiogram: While obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be important in evaluating a patient's cardiac status, it is not the highest priority in the context of suspected AAA rupture. Immediate management focuses on stabilizing the patient and addressing potential hemorrhagic shock.
B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter: Inserting a urinary catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output, but it is not the immediate priority when managing a suspected AAA rupture. The focus should be on life-threatening conditions first.
C. Increasing cardiac contractility: Increasing cardiac contractility may be relevant in some clinical situations, but it does not directly address the urgent need to maintain hemodynamic stability and prevent shock in a patient with suspected AAA rupture.
D. Maintaining blood pressure: Maintaining blood pressure is the highest priority intervention in this scenario. Patients with a suspected AAA rupture are at high risk for hypovolemic shock due to internal bleeding. Ensuring adequate blood pressure is critical to perfusing vital organs and stabilizing the patient before surgical intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carotid wall thinness: Carotid wall thinness is not considered a nontraditional risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditional risk factors for CAD include age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, while carotid wall thickness (rather than thinness) is often used as a marker for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk.
B. Chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is recognized as a nontraditional risk factor for coronary artery disease. It is associated with increased cardiovascular risk due to factors like inflammation, mineral metabolism disorders, and increased vascular stiffness.
C. Coronary artery calcification: Coronary artery calcification is considered a nontraditional risk factor for CAD. It reflects the presence of atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
D. Markers of inflammation, ischemia, and thrombosis: Markers of inflammation (such as C-reactive protein), ischemia, and thrombosis (such as fibrinogen and D-dimer) are nontraditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. Elevated levels of these markers indicate increased cardiovascular risk and are used in risk stratification.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inflammation: Inflammation refers to the body's immune response to injury or infection and does not specifically denote a temporary deprivation of blood supply to a cell. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the affected area.
B. Necrosis: Necrosis is the process of cell death that occurs when cells are irreversibly damaged, often due to a lack of blood supply or other injury. It is a consequence of prolonged ischemia rather than the temporary condition itself.
C. Infarction: Infarction refers to the death of tissue due to prolonged ischemia, resulting from an irreversible loss of blood supply. It indicates permanent damage and is not synonymous with a temporary deprivation of blood supply.
D. Ischemia: Ischemia is the term used to describe a temporary reduction in blood flow to a tissue or organ, resulting in a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients. This condition can lead to symptoms and may cause damage if prolonged, making it the correct answer for this scenario.
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