What should the nurse do first when a client presents with severe chest pain?

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the priority action for a client with a suspected myocardial infarction as it helps dilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps reduce chest pain and minimize myocardial damage. Administering fluids (B) may be necessary but not the priority. Placing the client in a sitting position (C) could worsen symptoms. Administering aspirin (D) is important but not as immediate as nitroglycerin for acute pain relief.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. After a craniotomy, the client may experience decreased oxygen levels due to the surgical procedure, anesthesia, or potential complications. Administering oxygen helps ensure adequate oxygenation to the brain and tissues. Placing the client in a supine or Trendelenburg position can increase intracranial pressure, which is contraindicated post-craniotomy. Monitoring for arrhythmias is important, but ensuring oxygenation takes precedence as hypoxia can have immediate detrimental effects on brain function.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiepileptics. Administering antiepileptics is the priority nursing action for a client with a history of seizures to prevent seizure recurrence. Antiepileptics help control and manage seizure activity effectively. Monitoring vital signs (B) and placing the client in a lateral position (C) are important actions during a seizure but are not the priority over administering antiepileptics. Providing seizure precautions (D) is also important but does not directly address the immediate need of administering antiepileptics to prevent a seizure.