The nurse is caring for a client with a history of myocardial infarction who is complaining of chest pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
- B. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually as prescribed.
- C. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- D. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) is the first priority in assessing for ischemia or infarction in a client with chest pain and a history of myocardial infarction. This diagnostic test provides crucial information about the heart's electrical activity and helps in identifying any acute cardiac changes. Administering oxygen therapy and nitroglycerin can be important interventions, but obtaining an ECG takes precedence as it directly assesses the client's cardiac status. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is also essential, but in this scenario, assessing for cardiac indications through an ECG is the initial step.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client with myasthenia gravis?
- A. Encourage the client to rest frequently.
- B. Administer medication 30 minutes before meals.
- C. Maintain a patent airway.
- D. Monitor for signs of respiratory infection.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway is crucial for clients with myasthenia gravis because muscle weakness can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, potentially leading to respiratory compromise. Encouraging rest, administering medication, and monitoring for respiratory infections are important aspects of care but do not take precedence over ensuring a patent airway for adequate oxygenation.
A client with heart failure is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) and furosemide (Lasix). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 60 beats per minute
- B. Apical pulse of 58 beats per minute
- C. Presence of a new murmur
- D. Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The presence of a new murmur in a client with heart failure receiving digoxin and furosemide is concerning as it may indicate valvular problems or other complications that require immediate intervention. A heart rate of 60 beats per minute and an apical pulse of 58 beats per minute are within normal limits for a client with heart failure on these medications. A blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, while slightly low, may be expected due to the diuretic effect of furosemide and may not require immediate intervention unless the client is symptomatic.
The nurse needs to add a medication to a liter of 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) that is already infusing into a client. At what location should the nurse inject the medication?
- A. Medication port
- B. IV drip chamber
- C. Y-site connector
- D. At the hub of the IV catheter
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the medication port. When adding medication to an already infusing IV solution, it should be done through the medication port to ensure direct delivery into the bloodstream without interrupting the primary IV line. Injecting the medication into the IV drip chamber, Y-site connector, or at the hub of the IV catheter can lead to dilution, inaccurate dosing, or potential blockages in the IV line, which can compromise the effectiveness of the medication and patient safety.
A client with a tracheostomy is experiencing thick, tenacious secretions. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Encourage fluid intake to thin secretions.
- B. Administer a mucolytic agent.
- C. Increase humidity in the client's room.
- D. Perform deep suctioning as needed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing humidity in the client's room is the initial intervention for managing thick, tenacious secretions in a client with a tracheostomy. Adequate humidity helps to hydrate secretions, making them easier to clear, thus improving airway clearance. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice A) can be beneficial but is not the first-line intervention. Administering a mucolytic agent (Choice B) may be considered if increasing humidity alone is insufficient. Performing deep suctioning (Choice D) should be reserved for when other measures like increasing humidity have been ineffective.
Which breakfast selection indicates that the client understands the nurse's instructions about the dietary management of osteoporosis?
- A. Egg whites, toast, and coffee.
- B. Bran muffin, mixed fruits, and orange juice.
- C. Granola and grapefruit juice.
- D. Bagel with jelly and skim milk.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Bagel with jelly and skim milk.' This choice includes skim milk, a good source of calcium, which is important for osteoporosis management. It also avoids foods that inhibit calcium absorption. Osteoporosis dietary management emphasizes increased calcium intake and reducing foods that hinder calcium absorption. Choice A only provides proteins but lacks calcium. Choice B offers fruits and a bran muffin, but it lacks a good source of calcium. Choice C has granola but misses a significant source of calcium.
Nokea