Nokea
A male client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with new onset shortness of breath and a productive cough. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer prescribed anticoagulant.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Auscultate lung sounds.
- D. Prepare for chest physiotherapy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering an anticoagulant is the nurse's priority action in this situation. Given the client's history of DVT and the presentation of new onset shortness of breath and a productive cough, there is a concern for a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication of DVT. Administering an anticoagulant promptly is crucial to prevent further clot formation and to manage the existing clot, reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism. While auscultating lung sounds and preparing for chest physiotherapy are important actions in respiratory assessment and management, the priority in this case is to address the potential complication of a pulmonary embolism by administering the anticoagulant. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after initiating the immediate intervention of anticoagulant therapy.
You may also like to solve these questions
A male client with cirrhosis has jaundice and pruritus. He tells the nurse that he has been soaking in hot baths at night with no relief of his discomfort. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to use a moisturizer immediately after the bath
- B. Advise the client to take shorter baths with less water
- C. Suggest taking antihistamines for the pruritus
- D. Encourage the client to use cooler water and apply calamine lotion after soaking
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the client's pruritus (itching) is likely exacerbated by hot baths, which can worsen the itching sensation. Using cooler water will help soothe the skin and reduce pruritus. Additionally, applying calamine lotion after soaking can provide further relief. Instructing the client to use a moisturizer immediately after the bath (Choice A) may not address the root cause of pruritus aggravated by hot baths. Advising the client to take shorter baths with less water (Choice B) might not be as effective in relieving the itching sensation caused by cirrhosis. Suggesting antihistamines for the pruritus (Choice C) may not directly address the impact of hot baths on the client's discomfort.
A client with multiple sclerosis is experiencing fatigue. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to increase physical activity.
- B. Encourage the client to take rest breaks during activities.
- C. Administer a stimulant medication to reduce fatigue.
- D. Advise the client to use energy conservation techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Advise the client to use energy conservation techniques. Energy conservation techniques are crucial in managing fatigue in multiple sclerosis. These techniques involve prioritizing activities, pacing oneself, and taking rest breaks to prevent overexertion, which can exacerbate fatigue. Encouraging the client to increase physical activity (choice A) may worsen fatigue if not done with proper energy conservation. Taking rest breaks during activities (choice B) is important but falls secondary to teaching energy conservation techniques. Administering a stimulant medication to reduce fatigue (choice C) should not be the priority as non-pharmacological interventions like energy conservation should be attempted first.
A client with cirrhosis is prescribed spironolactone to manage ascites. Which serum laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Sodium
- B. Calcium
- C. Magnesium
- D. Potassium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels are not directly affected by spironolactone use for managing ascites in cirrhosis.
A client presses the call bell and requests pain medication for a severe headache. To assess the quality of the client's pain, which approach should the nurse use?
- A. Use the Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale
- B. Assess vital signs to gauge pain severity
- C. Ask the client to describe the pain
- D. Offer a 1-10 pain scale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking the client to describe the pain is the most appropriate approach to assess the quality of pain. It provides valuable qualitative information that aids in understanding the nature, cause, and potential management strategies for the headache. While pain rating scales like the Wong-Baker Faces scale and using vital signs can help quantify pain severity, they do not offer specific descriptive details that can give insights into the type and characteristics of the pain experienced by the client.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The client is prescribed intravenous antibiotics and oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is improving?
- A. Increased white blood cell count
- B. Crackles heard on lung auscultation
- C. Productive cough with green sputum
- D. Decreased respiratory rate from 24 to 18 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A decrease in respiratory rate indicates that the client's breathing is becoming more stable, which suggests an improvement in their condition. Respiratory rate is a critical indicator of respiratory status and oxygenation. Increased white blood cell count (choice A) suggests ongoing infection, crackles on lung auscultation (choice B) indicate fluid in the lungs, and productive cough with green sputum (choice C) may indicate persistent infection or airway inflammation, which do not necessarily reflect improvement in pneumonia.