A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) fell while walking to the bathroom. Upon transfer to the intensive care unit, the client is confused and has had projectile vomiting twice. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Determine neurological baseline prior to the fall.
Determine client’s last dose of corticosteroids.
Administer a PRN IV antiemetic as prescribed.
Complete head to toe neurological assessment.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Determining the neurological baseline prior to the fall is important but not the immediate priority. The client’s current confusion and projectile vomiting suggest a potential acute condition that needs immediate assessment.
Choice B rationale
Determining the client’s last dose of corticosteroids is relevant for managing multiple sclerosis but does not address the immediate concern of confusion and vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Administering a PRN IV antiemetic as prescribed can help manage vomiting but does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Completing a head-to-toe neurological assessment is the priority intervention. The client’s confusion and projectile vomiting could indicate increased intracranial pressure or another acute neurological condition that requires immediate attention.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the first intervention to implement. The client’s weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles to breathe suggest the presence of retained respiratory secretions, which can impair breathing and lead to further respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Offering a prescribed PRN analgesic is important for overall comfort but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining arterial blood gases may provide valuable information but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Administering a prescribed antipyretic is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ipratropium is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It does not have significant interactions with the medications prescribed for H. pylori treatment, so it is not a priority to review in this context.
Choice B rationale
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, especially when combined with other medications that affect the stomach lining, such as bismuth subsalicylate and tetracycline. Reviewing the client’s use of aspirin is important to prevent potential adverse effects and complications.
Choice C rationale
Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production. While it is relevant to gastrointestinal health, it does not have significant interactions with the H. pylori treatment regimen. Therefore, it is not a priority to review in this context.
Choice D rationale
Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication used to manage diarrhea. It does not have significant interactions with the medications prescribed for H. pylori treatment, so it is not a priority to review in this context.