What is the first action the nurse should take when a client presents with signs of respiratory distress?

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Question 1 of 5

What is the first action the nurse should take when a client presents with signs of respiratory distress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Open the airway. This is the first action because in respiratory distress, ensuring a clear airway is crucial for adequate oxygenation. Opening the airway helps facilitate breathing and prevents further complications. Administering oxygen (choice B) can be done after ensuring the airway is clear. Administering medication (choice C) and pain relief (choice D) are not the initial priority in managing respiratory distress.

Question 2 of 5

Which lab result is most indicative of infection in a client with a fever?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased white blood cell count. When a client has an infection, the body's immune response triggers an increase in white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Neutrophils and band cells (choice B) may also increase during infection, but a general increase in white blood cells is a more reliable indicator. ESR (choice C) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and may be elevated in various conditions, not just infection. LDH (choice D) is an enzyme found in many tissues and can be elevated in various conditions, not specifically infection. Therefore, an increased white blood cell count is the most indicative of infection in a client with a fever.

Question 3 of 5

Which of the following is the most appropriate response for a nurse caring for a client who is experiencing a stroke?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiate a stroke protocol. This is the most appropriate response because time is critical in treating a stroke. By initiating a stroke protocol, the nurse ensures that the client receives prompt and appropriate care, including timely evaluation, imaging studies, and potential interventions such as administering clot-busting medication. Performing a neurological assessment (A) is important but may delay crucial interventions. Positioning the client on their side (C) is essential for airway protection but should not be the initial priority. Starting a CT scan (D) is important for diagnosis but should not delay the initiation of the stroke protocol, which includes obtaining imaging studies.

Question 4 of 5

What is the primary concern for a nurse caring for a client who is post-operative and experiencing confusion?

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.

Question 5 of 5

Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a suspected stroke?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's ECG. This is the priority because it helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias which are common in stroke patients. Assessing neurologic status (A) is important but monitoring the ECG takes precedence. Starting an IV line and administering thrombolytics (B) should be done as per protocol but is not the immediate priority. Providing emotional support (D) is important, but ensuring the client's cardiac status is stable is crucial in the acute phase of stroke.

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