What is the most important action when caring for a client with respiratory distress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most important action for a client with respiratory distress because it helps improve oxygen levels in the blood and supports breathing. Oxygen therapy can prevent hypoxia and reduce respiratory workload. Corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and analgesics may be beneficial in specific situations, but they are not the primary intervention for respiratory distress. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, bronchodilators help open airways, and analgesics provide pain relief but do not directly address the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen should always be the first priority in managing respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it describes the setting of the symptoms by specifying when the pain occurs (every time the patient sits down to use the computer). This detail helps identify possible triggers or patterns associated with the pain. Choices A, B, and C focus on the nature or characteristics of the pain rather than the setting, making them incorrect. Choice A describes the type of pain, choice B includes associated symptoms, and choice C reflects the patient's interpretation of the pain, none of which directly address the setting of the symptoms.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for arrhythmias. This is because in a client showing signs of shock after surgery, the priority is to assess for any cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for arrhythmias allows prompt identification and intervention. Administering a blood transfusion (A) may be necessary in some cases of shock but is not the first intervention. Administering oxygen (C) may also be necessary, but addressing cardiac complications takes precedence. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is not a priority in managing shock-related complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses like cancer. Severe pain and nausea (A) are common symptoms that palliative care helps manage. Uncontrolled symptoms despite treatment (B) indicate the need for specialized palliative care interventions. Psychosocial support needs (C) are also addressed in palliative care to address emotional and social aspects of the patient's well-being. Therefore, all of the above (D) are indicative of the need for palliative care as it focuses on holistic symptom management and support for the patient.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sedation. Cancer patients taking opioids commonly experience sedation due to the central nervous system depressant effects of opioids. Opioids can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and decreased alertness. Tolerance (A) is a possible issue but is not the most common complication. Addiction (C) is less common in cancer patients due to the nature of their pain management. Constipation (D) is a common side effect of opioids but is not the most common complication in cancer patients. Sedation is the most prevalent issue affecting the quality of life and daily functioning of cancer patients on opioids.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain relief. The nurse should address the client's immediate symptom of severe headache to provide comfort and assess the severity of the condition. Pain relief can help decrease anxiety and prevent complications. Monitoring vital signs (B) is important but treating the symptom should take priority. Monitoring ECG (C) is not necessary for a headache presentation. Administering insulin (D) is not indicated for a client presenting with a severe headache.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Secure the airway. This is the highest priority for a nurse treating a client with a stab wound to the chest because airway management is crucial for ensuring the client can breathe effectively. If the airway is compromised, the client may not be able to oxygenate properly, leading to serious complications or even death. Administering oxygen (choice B) can help with oxygenation but is not as critical as ensuring the airway is clear. Turning the client (choice C) or applying an abdominal binder (choice D) are not appropriate actions for a stab wound to the chest and would not address the immediate life-threatening issue of airway compromise.