Nokea
A client who has a head injury is transported to the emergency department. Which assessment does the emergency department nurse perform immediately?
- A. Pupil response
- B. Motor function
- C. Respiratory status
- D. Short-term memory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a client with a head injury, assessing the respiratory status is the priority as airway and breathing are essential for life. Immediate attention to respiratory status is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation. While assessing pupil response and motor function are also important in head injuries, ensuring the client's ability to breathe takes precedence. Short-term memory assessment is not a priority in the emergent phase of care for a client with a head injury.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is assessing a client with a history of heart failure who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. The client's respiratory rate is 33 breaths/min and blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. Which action does the nurse take first?
- A. Administer prescribed diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- B. Continue to monitor the client's vital signs.
- C. Stop the infusion of packed red blood cells.
- D. Slow the infusion rate of the transfusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the client is showing signs of a potential transfusion reaction, indicated by an increased respiratory rate. The nurse's initial action should be to slow down the infusion rate of the packed red blood cells to prevent further complications. Administering diphenhydramine or stopping the infusion should not be the first actions taken, as the priority is to ensure the client's safety and prevent adverse reactions. Continuing to monitor vital signs without taking immediate action to address the increased respiratory rate would delay appropriate intervention.
A female client with deteriorating neurologic function states, "I am worried I will not be able to care for my young children."? How does the nurse respond?
- A. "Caring for your children is a priority. You may not want to ask for help, but you have to."?
- B. "Our community has resources that may help you with some household tasks so you have energy to care for your children."?
- C. "You seem distressed. Would you like to talk to a psychologist about adjusting to your changing status?"?
- D. "Give me more information about what worries you, so we can see if we can do something to make adjustments."?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a client expresses worry about not being able to care for her children due to deteriorating neurologic function, the most appropriate response from the nurse is to gather more information from the client. This open-ended approach allows the nurse to better understand the client's specific concerns and needs, leading to tailored interventions and support. Choice A is dismissive and may make the client feel guilty for needing help. Choice B focuses on external resources without addressing the client's worries directly. Choice C suggests a psychological referral without exploring the client's concerns further. Therefore, the correct response is to gather more information to provide personalized support.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client before surgery. Which assessments contraindicate the client from having surgery as scheduled? (Select one that does not apply.)
- A. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
- B. International normalized ratio (INR) of 4
- C. Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds
- D. Positive pregnancy test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds. A low potassium level (choice A) and an elevated INR (choice B) indicate potential bleeding risks during surgery. A positive pregnancy test (choice D) in a female client can lead to complications during surgery. However, a Prothrombin time of 30 seconds is within the normal range and does not contraindicate the client from having surgery as scheduled.
How does the nurse interpret the client's actions of combing her hair only on the right side of her head and washing only the right side of her face after a stroke?
- A. Poor left-sided motor control
- B. Paralysis or contractures on the right side
- C. Limited visual perception of the left fields
- D. Unawareness of the existence of her left side
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's selective grooming and washing habits indicate a condition known as 'unawareness of the existence of her left side,' also called hemispatial neglect. This condition is characterized by a lack of awareness or attention to one side of the body or space, typically the left side in stroke patients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the client's actions are not due to poor motor control, paralysis, contractures, or limited visual perception. Instead, they are indicative of a specific cognitive deficit related to neglecting one side of the body.
The nurse is planning care for a client with epilepsy. Which precautions does the nurse implement to ensure the safety of the client while in the hospital? (Select one that doesn't apply.)
- A. Have suction equipment at the bedside
- B. Keep bed rails up at all times
- C. Ensure that the client has IV access
- D. Maintain the client on strict bed rest
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a client with epilepsy, it is essential to avoid restraining them with strict bed rest as it can lead to complications like muscle atrophy, thrombosis, and pressure ulcers. Having suction equipment at the bedside is important in case of seizures to prevent aspiration. Keeping bed rails up can prevent falls during a seizure. Ensuring that the client has IV access is crucial for administering medications such as antiepileptic drugs or emergency medications if needed. Therefore, maintaining the client on strict bed rest is not a recommended precaution for a client with epilepsy.