What is the priority nursing action when a client experiences a severe allergic reaction?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions as it acts quickly to reverse symptoms like airway swelling and low blood pressure. It helps to open airways and increase blood pressure. Antihistamines (B) are not as fast-acting as epinephrine in severe reactions. Applying a cold compress (C) is not effective in treating anaphylaxis. Placing the client in a supine position (D) can worsen breathing difficulties. Administering epinephrine is crucial in managing severe allergic reactions promptly and effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Encourage deep breathing. This is because encouraging deep breathing can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial in managing severe chest pain. Administering nitroglycerin (A) should only be done after assessing the client's condition and confirming it is safe to do so. Providing pain relief (B) may be necessary, but addressing the root cause of the pain should be the priority. Monitoring ECG (C) is important but should come after ensuring the client's immediate needs are addressed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide oxygen therapy. For a client with shortness of breath and a history of heart failure, oxygen therapy is the most effective intervention as it helps improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress. Administering diuretics may help manage fluid retention but does not directly address the breathing difficulty. Encouraging deep breathing may be beneficial for some respiratory conditions but may not be sufficient for a client with heart failure and shortness of breath. Applying oxygen therapy is similar to providing oxygen therapy and can help improve oxygen levels, but providing oxygen therapy is more specific and effective in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide cooling measures. When caring for a client with hyperthermia, the nurse's priority is to lower the body temperature to prevent further complications. Providing cooling measures such as removing excess clothing, using fans, applying cool compresses, and encouraging hydration helps to reduce the body temperature effectively. Administering antipyretics (A and D) may be considered in some cases, but cooling measures are more immediate and effective. Administering corticosteroids (C) is not indicated in the treatment of hyperthermia. Cooling measures directly target the elevated body temperature, making it the top priority in managing hyperthermia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. This is the most important intervention for a client with severe burns because it helps maintain adequate fluid balance and prevent hypovolemic shock. IV fluids are crucial in managing burns to prevent complications such as dehydration and organ damage. Monitoring vital signs closely (B) and urine output (C) are important, but administering IV fluids takes precedence in stabilizing the client. Placing the client in a prone position (D) is not recommended for burn patients as it can increase the risk of infection and impede breathing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antipyretics. The nurse should first address the fever to prevent potential complications. Antipyretics help reduce fever and discomfort quickly. Monitoring vital signs (B) is important but treating the fever takes precedence. Administering fluids (C) is essential, but addressing the fever is the priority. Administering IV antibiotics (D) may be necessary if the fever is due to infection, but confirming the cause and starting treatment can come after addressing the fever.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cirrhosis. Cirrhosis leads to impaired liver function, causing the liver to be unable to effectively metabolize ammonia, leading to high ammonia levels in the blood. Renal failure (choice A) is associated with high creatinine levels, not ammonia. Psoriasis (choice B) is a skin condition unrelated to ammonia levels. Lupus (choice C) is an autoimmune disease affecting various organs, not directly linked to high ammonia levels. In summary, cirrhosis is the only condition among the options that directly impacts liver function and can lead to high ammonia levels in the blood.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A high-fat meal. After gastric resection, high-fat meals are likely to cause rapid gastric emptying due to the delayed gastric emptying effect of fats. Fats take longer to digest compared to other nutrients, leading to slower emptying of the stomach contents. This can result in rapid emptying of the stomach post-resection. A: A high-protein meal does not necessarily cause rapid gastric emptying as proteins are digested at a moderate pace. B: A large meal regardless of nutrient content may lead to slower gastric emptying due to the increased volume. C: A high-carbohydrate meal can promote quicker gastric emptying, but it is not as likely to cause rapid emptying as high-fat meals post-gastric resection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a client refuses medication, the nurse should document the refusal for legal and communication purposes. Informing the healthcare provider ensures ongoing assessment and potential alternatives. Choice A lacks communication with the healthcare team. Choice B may not address the underlying issue. Choice C assumes alternative treatment is necessary without further evaluation.