What should the nurse do first when caring for a client with a suspected spinal cord injury?
- A. Immobilize the spine
- B. Place the client in a supine position
- C. Administer analgesics
- D. Assess the airway
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobilize the spine. This is the first priority because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord. By immobilizing the spine, the nurse ensures that any movement doesn't worsen the existing injury. Placing the client in a supine position (B) can be done after immobilization. Administering analgesics (C) should not be done before assessing the extent of the injury. Assessing the airway (D) is important but should come after immobilizing the spine to prevent any unnecessary movement.
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When interviewing a patient, it is important for the nurse to obtain some basic history. Which of the following statements should be explored more fully during an interview? The patient states that he:
- A. Sleeps like a baby.
- B. Has no health problems.
- C. Never did too good in school.
- D. Is currently not taking any medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Never did too good in school." This statement should be explored further during an interview because it can provide insights into the patient's educational background, potential learning difficulties, or past experiences that may impact their health literacy or understanding of medical information. Understanding the patient's educational history can help the nurse tailor communication and education strategies effectively.
A: "Sleeps like a baby" is not as critical for further exploration as it pertains to the patient's sleep quality.
B: "Has no health problems" is important information but does not require immediate further exploration.
D: "Is currently not taking any medication" is important for medication reconciliation but does not warrant immediate further exploration in this context.
What is the primary concern for a nurse caring for a client who is post-operative and experiencing confusion?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider
- B. Reorient the client
- C. Increase circulation
- D. Assess the level of pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reorient the client. Reorientation helps the confused client regain awareness of their surroundings, time, and situation post-operatively. It can improve their cognition and reduce anxiety. Notifying the healthcare provider (A) may be necessary but not the primary concern. Increasing circulation (C) is important but not the first step for a confused post-op client. Assessing pain (D) is important but addressing confusion takes precedence.
When the nurse is assessing a patient for pain, what is the most appropriate action to take?
- A. Ask the patient to rate pain intensity
- B. Ask about any allergies
- C. Ask the patient to describe the pain
- D. Measure pain intensity using a scale
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the patient to rate pain intensity using a scale (like 0-10) provides a standardized measure of pain perception. This quantitative data helps healthcare providers assess pain severity accurately and track changes over time. Asking about allergies (B) is important but not directly related to pain assessment. Asking the patient to describe the pain (C) provides qualitative information but may not be as reliable or consistent as a numerical rating. Measuring pain intensity using a scale (D) is similar to the correct answer but does not involve the patient's subjective input, which is crucial in pain assessment.
What immediate intervention should a nurse provide for a hypoglycemic client?
- A. one commercially prepared glucose tablet
- B. two hard candies
- C. 4-6 ounces of fruit juice with sugar
- D. 2-3 teaspoons of honey
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct immediate intervention for a hypoglycemic client is to provide 4-6 ounces of fruit juice with sugar. This is because the client needs a quick source of glucose to raise their blood sugar levels rapidly. Fruit juice with sugar is easily absorbed, providing a fast-acting solution to hypoglycemia. Commercially prepared glucose tablets may take longer to be absorbed than fruit juice. Hard candies and honey may not contain enough sugar to raise blood sugar levels quickly compared to fruit juice. Therefore, fruit juice with sugar is the most effective option for immediate intervention in hypoglycemic clients.
What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with respiratory distress?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Administer albuterol
- C. Place the client on their back
- D. Encourage deep breathing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Placing the client on their back. This is the priority because it helps optimize the client's breathing mechanics by maximizing lung expansion. By positioning the client on their back, it allows for better oxygenation and ventilation. Administering oxygen (A) and albuterol (B) can be important interventions but positioning comes first. Placing the client on their back also helps prevent aspiration and facilitates airway clearance. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is beneficial, but if the client is in respiratory distress, ensuring proper positioning takes precedence over deep breathing exercises.