What is the priority intervention when a client is experiencing respiratory distress?

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Question 1 of 9

What is the priority intervention when a client is experiencing respiratory distress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. When a client is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to open up the airways to improve breathing. Bronchodilators help relax and widen the airways, making it easier for the client to breathe. This intervention addresses the immediate need for improved respiratory function. Administering corticosteroids (choices B and C) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the priority in acute respiratory distress. Monitoring respiratory rate (choice D) is important but does not directly address the underlying issue of airway constriction in respiratory distress.

Question 2 of 9

What is the most important intervention for a client in shock?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer fluids. In shock, the most crucial intervention is to restore perfusion by increasing circulating volume. Administering fluids helps to improve tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. This is essential for stabilizing the client's condition. Monitoring cardiac rhythm (B) and blood pressure (C) are important, but addressing the underlying issue of hypovolemia by giving fluids takes precedence. Providing IV antibiotics (D) is not the primary intervention for shock, as the immediate focus should be on restoring blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Question 3 of 9

Which nursing diagnosis applies to a client stating they feel incomplete due to infertility?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Body Image Disturbance. Infertility can impact one's perception of self and body image, leading to feelings of incompleteness. This nursing diagnosis addresses the emotional distress related to altered self-perception. A: Risk for Self Harm is not directly related to the client's statement about feeling incomplete due to infertility. C: Ineffective Role Performance doesn't specifically address the client's feelings of incompleteness related to infertility. D: Powerlessness may not fully capture the client's emotional struggle with their body image and feelings of incompleteness due to infertility.

Question 4 of 9

What is the most important nursing intervention for a client with an open fracture?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply a sterile dressing. This is the most important intervention to prevent infection and protect the wound. Applying a sterile dressing helps maintain a clean environment, reduces the risk of contamination, and promotes wound healing. Administering fluids (B) may be necessary but is not the top priority. Administering IV antibiotics (C) may be required but is secondary to wound care. Monitoring for bleeding (D) is important but addressing the wound with a sterile dressing takes precedence to prevent infection.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with asthma. The nurse should educate the patient about using a peak flow meter. What is the primary purpose of this device?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To monitor the amount of airway obstruction. A peak flow meter is used to measure how well the patient can exhale air from the lungs, indicating the degree of airway obstruction in conditions like asthma. By monitoring peak flow readings, the nurse can assess the severity of the patient's asthma and adjust treatment accordingly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: To measure the amount of oxygen in the blood - This is the function of a pulse oximeter, not a peak flow meter. C: To measure the frequency of inhaler use - This is not the primary purpose of a peak flow meter, which is specifically used to monitor airway obstruction. D: To track blood glucose levels - This is the function of a glucometer, not a peak flow meter used for asthma management.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breath sounds and oxygen saturation. In COPD, monitoring respiratory status is crucial due to impaired gas exchange. Assessing breath sounds helps identify any adventitious sounds like wheezing or crackles, indicating respiratory distress. Oxygen saturation reflects oxygenation status, vital for patients with COPD prone to hypoxemia. Nutritional intake and weight (B), bowel sounds and abdominal girth (C), and urine output and skin integrity (D) are important but secondary assessments in this case. Nutritional status and weight are important for overall health, bowel sounds and abdominal girth are related to gastrointestinal function, and urine output and skin integrity are indicators of hydration and overall skin health, respectively. However, in a patient with COPD, the priority is ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory function.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with a history of stroke about reducing the risk of another stroke. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing physical activity and managing weight. This is important for stroke prevention as exercise can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of another stroke. Increasing sodium intake (B) can actually elevate blood pressure, increasing stroke risk. Avoiding physical activity (C) can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is detrimental to stroke prevention. Consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods (D) can contribute to obesity and other risk factors for stroke. Prioritizing physical activity and weight management aligns with evidence-based guidelines for stroke prevention.

Question 8 of 9

Which action should be performed first when assessing a hospitalized patient with shortness of breath?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to obtain baseline information first, then do a complete assessment (Choice C). This is important as it allows the healthcare provider to gather initial vital signs and key information before proceeding with a thorough assessment. By obtaining baseline information first, the healthcare provider can assess the patient's current status and identify any urgent needs requiring immediate attention. This approach helps in prioritizing the assessment and subsequent interventions. Examining only the body areas related to the problem (Choice A) may lead to missing important clues to the patient's condition. Obtaining a thorough history and physical assessment from the family (Choice B) can provide valuable information but should not be the first step in assessing the patient's immediate needs. Examining the entire body to determine if the problem is linked to something else (Choice D) is not the most efficient approach as it may delay identifying and addressing the primary issue causing shortness of breath.

Question 9 of 9

What is the most appropriate intervention for a client with severe nausea and vomiting after surgery?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiemetics. This intervention helps to reduce nausea and vomiting by blocking the neurotransmitters responsible for triggering these symptoms. Administering antiemetics is the most direct and effective approach to address severe nausea and vomiting post-surgery. Choice B (Placing the client in a supine position) is incorrect because it does not directly address the underlying cause of nausea and vomiting. Choice C (Providing hydration) is important but may not alleviate the symptoms of severe nausea and vomiting. Choice D (Monitoring bowel sounds) is important for assessing gastrointestinal motility but does not directly address the immediate symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

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