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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. This is the best nursing action for a client with a wound infection because antibiotics are necessary to treat the infection at its source, targeting the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics help prevent the infection from spreading and promote healing. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: B: Applying a sterile dressing is important for wound care but does not address the underlying infection. C: Monitoring blood pressure is important for overall patient assessment but does not directly treat the wound infection. D: Placing the client in a sitting position is not relevant to treating a wound infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer aspirin. Aspirin is crucial for a client with acute MI as it helps prevent further blood clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing chances of additional cardiac events. Oxygen (B) is not routinely recommended unless hypoxemia is present. Morphine (C) can mask symptoms and delay treatment. Nitroglycerin (D) is used to relieve chest pain but may not be the most important intervention in acute MI. Administering aspirin promptly is vital to improve outcomes and reduce mortality in acute MI cases.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer nitroglycerin. In acute pancreatitis, pancreatic inflammation can lead to pancreatic ischemia due to decreased blood flow. Nitroglycerin helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the pancreas, reducing ischemia and potentially preventing further damage. Pain relief (choice A) may be necessary but does not address the underlying issue of ischemia. Administering fluids (choices B and C) is important but not the most critical intervention in this case. Administering nitroglycerin is the most crucial because it targets the root cause of pancreatic ischemia in acute pancreatitis.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. In chronic liver disease, the liver's ability to process bilirubin is impaired, leading to jaundice. This is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates liver dysfunction. Hypoglycemia (A) is not a typical complication of chronic liver disease. Hyperkalemia (B) is more commonly associated with kidney dysfunction. Anemia (D) can occur in liver disease but is not as specific a complication as jaundice. Therefore, monitoring for jaundice in a patient with chronic liver disease is essential for early detection and management of liver dysfunction.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and addresses the patient's potential emotions directly. By asking if the patient feels nervous or worried about the pregnancy, the nurse acknowledges the observed nonverbal behaviors and opens the door for the patient to express their feelings. This approach shows sensitivity and may help the patient feel understood and supported. Choice A is incorrect because directly asking the patient to explain what they are feeling might come off as intrusive and could make the patient uncomfortable. Choice B is not ideal as remaining silent may lead to missed opportunities for the patient to share their concerns. Choice D, while important, does not address the specific nonverbal cues observed and may not prompt the patient to open up about their emotions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: all of the above. Alcohol use can impair judgment leading to risky sexual behaviors. Certain sexual practices like unprotected sex or having multiple partners increase STD risk. Oral contraception does not protect against STDs. Therefore, all factors (A, B, C) collectively increase the risk of STDs.