CAT Exam Practice Related

Review CAT Exam Practice related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a client with Addison's disease who is weak, dizzy, disoriented, and has dry oral mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, and sunken eyes. Vital signs are blood pressure 94/44, heart rate 123 beats/minute, respiration 22 breaths/minute. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Assess extremity strength and resistance
  • B. Report a sodium level of 132 mEq/L or mmol/L (SI units)
  • C. Measure and record the cardiac QRS complex
  • D. Check current finger stick glucose
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The client's symptoms suggest possible adrenal crisis or hypoglycemia. Checking glucose is a priority to rule out hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention. The client is presenting with symptoms indicative of hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Assessing extremity strength, reporting sodium levels, or measuring the cardiac QRS complex are not the most urgent actions in this scenario.