Oncology Test Bank Related

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A client in the emergency department reports difficulty breathing. The nurse assesses the client's appearance as depicted below: What action by the nurse is most important?

  • A. Assess blood pressure and pulse.
  • B. Attach the client to a pulse oximeter.
  • C. Have the client rate his or her pain.
  • D. Facilitate urgent radiation therapy.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client's blood pressure and pulse. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of various conditions, including cardiac issues. Assessing blood pressure and pulse helps in determining the client's hemodynamic status and identifying any cardiovascular compromise. Option B is less crucial as attaching the client to a pulse oximeter may provide oxygen saturation levels but does not directly assess cardiac output. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the client's difficulty breathing is a more urgent concern. Option D is incorrect as urgent radiation therapy is not indicated based on the client's presentation.