A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension. The patient is experiencing a hypertensive crisis. What is the priority intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The priority intervention for a patient experiencing a hypertensive crisis is to reduce blood pressure gradually to prevent complications like stroke or heart attack. Encouraging deep breathing exercises helps lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Administering antihypertensive medication or nitroglycerin may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to hypoperfusion of vital organs. Thrombolytic therapy is not indicated for hypertensive crisis. Deep breathing exercises are a safe and effective first-line intervention to manage the hypertensive crisis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider. The priority intervention is to inform the healthcare provider because the patient is experiencing worsening symptoms of asthma, which may require immediate medical attention or a change in treatment plan. Administering a bronchodilator (choice A) can help relieve symptoms, but it is not the priority when the patient's condition is deteriorating. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice C) may not be effective in managing acute asthma exacerbation. Administering a sedative (choice D) is not appropriate and can worsen respiratory distress. Overall, notifying the healthcare provider ensures timely assessment and appropriate intervention for the patient's worsening condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bronchodilator. This is the priority intervention because bronchodilators help to quickly open up the airways in asthma patients, providing immediate relief from symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. Administering a bronchodilator first is crucial in managing an acute asthma attack. Corticosteroids (choices B and C) are used for long-term management and take longer to have an effect. Antibiotics (choice D) are not indicated for asthma unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present. Therefore, the priority is to administer a bronchodilator for rapid relief of asthma symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the first-line medication for chest pain related to myocardial infarction as it helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Administering nitroglycerin promptly can help relieve chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart. Summary of other choices: B: Administer beta-blockers - Beta-blockers may be used later to stabilize the heart rate and blood pressure but are not the priority in the acute phase of MI. C: Administer oxygen and monitor - Administering oxygen is important, but nitroglycerin takes precedence in relieving chest pain and improving blood flow. D: Administer analgesics - While analgesics may help with pain relief, nitroglycerin is specifically indicated for chest pain related to MI and should be given first.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer insulin. The priority nursing action is to manage the patient's blood glucose levels when experiencing nausea and vomiting, as it may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Administering insulin helps stabilize blood sugar. Administering antiemetics (A and B) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying issue. Administering pain medications (C) is not the priority in this scenario.