Adult Health Exam 1 Related

Review Adult Health Exam 1 related questions and content

A client with a severe headache is being assessed by a nurse. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Administer pain relief medication
  • B. Check the client's blood pressure
  • C. Assess for associated symptoms such as nausea or photophobia
  • D. Offer a quiet environment
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a client presents with a severe headache, the initial action should be to check their blood pressure. This step is crucial as it can help determine if the headache is related to hypertension or other cardiovascular issues. Administering pain relief medication should only be done after assessing the client's vital signs and confirming the cause of the headache. While assessing for associated symptoms like nausea or photophobia is important for a comprehensive evaluation, it should follow checking the blood pressure to address immediate concerns. Offering a quiet environment is indeed beneficial for the client's comfort, but it is not the priority when dealing with a severe headache.