What should the nurse assess first in a client presenting with symptoms of dehydration?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vital signs. Assessing vital signs is crucial in a client presenting with symptoms of dehydration because it provides immediate information on the client's overall condition, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. Changes in vital signs can indicate the severity of dehydration and guide the nurse in determining the appropriate interventions. Summary: - B: Urine output is important in assessing dehydration but may not provide immediate information on the client's current condition compared to vital signs. - C: Skin turgor is a sign of dehydration but may not be the most accurate or immediate indicator compared to vital signs. - D: Skin color can also provide information on dehydration, but assessing vital signs gives a more comprehensive picture of the client's condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. In hypovolemic shock, there is a significant decrease in blood volume leading to inadequate perfusion of tissues. Administering IV fluids helps to restore circulating volume and improve tissue perfusion, which is crucial in managing hypovolemic shock. Elevating the client's legs (B) may be beneficial in other types of shock but not specifically in hypovolemic shock. Administering pain relief (C) and corticosteroids (D) are not the priority in hypovolemic shock as they do not address the underlying issue of decreased blood volume and tissue perfusion.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, removing the client from the cold environment. This is because hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and being in a cold environment exacerbates this process. By removing the client from the cold environment, the nurse helps stop further heat loss. Warming the client slowly (A) can be detrimental as rapid rewarming can lead to complications. Providing a warm environment (C) and applying warm blankets (D) are important interventions but should come after removing the client from the cold environment to prevent further heat loss.

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.