What is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer supplemental oxygen. This is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism because it helps improve oxygenation and prevents further hypoxia. Oxygen therapy is crucial in stabilizing the patient's condition and should be initiated promptly. Summary of other choices: B: Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but administering oxygen takes precedence due to the immediate need for oxygenation. C: While a CT scan is important for confirming the diagnosis, providing oxygen is more urgent to address the patient's hypoxia. D: Starting anticoagulant therapy is a critical treatment for pulmonary embolism, but ensuring oxygenation is the immediate priority to stabilize the patient's condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer insulin therapy. When a patient is at risk for hypoglycemia, administering insulin can further decrease blood sugar levels, exacerbating the condition. Therefore, the nurse should not administer insulin, glucose, or a snack, as these interventions can worsen hypoglycemia. Administering insulin therapy would be counterproductive and potentially harmful in this situation, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor the ventilator settings. This is the priority action because monitoring the ventilator settings ensures that the patient is receiving the appropriate oxygenation and ventilation support. By continuously monitoring the settings, the nurse can detect any changes or malfunctions promptly, preventing potential complications. Explanation of other choices: A: Checking the ventilator settings is important, but monitoring them continuously is more crucial. B: Performing a chest x-ray may provide additional information but is not the priority when assessing a patient on mechanical ventilation. C: Increasing fluid intake is not directly related to the immediate care of a patient on mechanical ventilation and is not the priority action.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Encourage early ambulation. Chemotherapy patients often experience alopecia as a side effect. Early ambulation helps improve circulation, prevent complications like blood clots, and enhance overall well-being. It is a priority nursing intervention as it promotes physical activity and aids in the patient's recovery. Providing a wig prostheses (choice A) and emotional support (choice B) are important but not the priority when compared to promoting physical activity. Administering a calcium channel blocker (choice D) is irrelevant to addressing alopecia in chemotherapy patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer insulin. In hyperglycemia, administering insulin is the priority as it helps lower blood glucose levels effectively. Insulin is essential in managing high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Administering subcutaneous insulin (choice B) may not act fast enough in acute situations. Administering intravenous fluids (choice C) can help with hydration but does not address the primary issue of high blood sugar. Administering fluids alone (choice D) does not directly address hyperglycemia. Therefore, administering insulin is the most crucial action to manage hyperglycemia effectively.