What is the first step in the care of a client with a severe allergic reaction?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. This is the first step in the care of a client with a severe allergic reaction because epinephrine is the primary medication used to reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and increase heart rate. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent progression to severe outcomes like respiratory failure or shock. Corticosteroids (B and C) are used as adjunct therapy and do not provide immediate relief. Applying a cold compress (D) does not address the systemic effects of anaphylaxis and can delay potentially life-saving treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Complete health history. In a comprehensive assessment, obtaining a complete health history is essential to gather information about the patient's past and present health conditions, including medical history, family history, social history, and current symptoms. This information helps the healthcare provider understand the patient's overall health status, identify risk factors, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Assessing the circulatory system (A) and airway (B) are important components of a physical assessment, but they alone do not constitute a comprehensive assessment. Disability assessment (D) focuses on the functional limitations caused by a disability and is not always included in a comprehensive health assessment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor INR levels. INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a crucial parameter to monitor for clients on anticoagulant therapy, as it measures the effectiveness of the medication in preventing blood clots. By monitoring INR levels, the nurse can ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent both bleeding and clotting complications. Choice A (Monitor platelet count) is incorrect because anticoagulant therapy does not directly affect platelet count, and monitoring platelets is more relevant for clients on antiplatelet therapy. Choice C (Monitor bleeding) is partially correct, but focusing solely on monitoring bleeding may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's response to anticoagulant therapy. Choice D (Monitor renal function) is incorrect as anticoagulant therapy primarily affects coagulation factors and not renal function. Renal function monitoring may be necessary for certain medications but is not a primary consideration for anticoagulant therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Hypertension can lead to various complications affecting the heart, kidneys, and brain. Monitoring for heart failure is crucial due to the increased workload on the heart. Chronic kidney disease is a common complication of hypertension, as the kidneys are sensitive to changes in blood pressure. Stroke is another significant risk due to the potential damage to blood vessels in the brain. Therefore, monitoring for all these complications is essential in managing a patient with hypertension. Other choices are incorrect as they do not encompass all possible complications of hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the recommended initial medication for chest pain in a client with a history of myocardial infarction. It helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart, and reducing chest pain. Aspirin (choice B) is also usually given to reduce blood clot formation, but nitroglycerin is the priority for immediate relief. Morphine (choice C) may be used if nitroglycerin is ineffective, and beta blockers (choice D) are typically used for long-term management of heart conditions, not for immediate relief of chest pain.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the client in a supine position. This is the first action because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord by maintaining alignment. Immobilizing the spine (choice A) is important but should come after placing the client in a supine position. Assessing the client's airway (choice B) is crucial but not the first action in a spinal cord injury. Encouraging deep breathing (choice D) is not appropriate as the priority is to stabilize the spine. In summary, placing the client in a supine position is the initial step to prevent worsening of the spinal cord injury, while the other choices are important but secondary actions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check for signs of infection. This is crucial because chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough should be closely monitored to prevent serious complications. Monitoring weight (B) and nutrition (C) are important but not as critical as detecting infections promptly. Checking for skin changes (D) is also important, but it is secondary to identifying and managing infections due to the immediate threat they pose to the client's health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lupus. Lupus can affect the kidneys, leading to renal impairment. Renal impairment can decrease the body's ability to excrete ammonia, resulting in elevated levels. Renal failure (choice A) can also lead to elevated ammonia levels, but lupus specifically contributes to renal issues. Cirrhosis (choice B) primarily affects the liver, not kidneys. Psoriasis (choice C) is a skin condition and does not directly impact ammonia levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the clothing of a trauma client could potentially be considered evidence with legal implications. Preserving the bloodstains or tears on the clothing maintains the integrity of the evidence for forensic investigation or legal proceedings. Disrupting the bloodstains or tears could compromise the evidence and hinder any potential investigation or legal case. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern in this scenario is the legal implications and preservation of evidence, not ownership, repair, salvage, or minimizing trauma to family members.