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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Counting the apical and radial pulses simultaneously is important for assessing pulse deficits, but it is not the most critical assessment for a client receiving hydromorphone.
Choice B rationale
Measuring the client’s capillary glucose level is important for clients with diabetes, but it is not directly related to the administration of hydromorphone.
Choice C rationale
Observing for edema around the ankles is important for assessing fluid retention, but it is not the most critical assessment for a client receiving hydromorphone.
Choice D rationale
Auscultating the client’s bowel sounds is crucial because hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic that can slow peristalsis and frequently causes constipation. Monitoring bowel sounds helps prevent complications such as bowel obstruction. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), typically requires several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. Notifying the healthcare provider for a dosage change after only one week is premature and not supported by clinical guidelines.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating bowel sounds and measuring abdominal girth are not directly related to the effectiveness of lansoprazole in treating GERD. These actions are more relevant for assessing gastrointestinal motility and potential complications like bowel obstruction.
Choice C rationale
Healing of erosive esophagitis with PPIs like lansoprazole usually takes several weeks. Advising the client that healing typically takes several weeks to occur is appropriate and aligns with the expected therapeutic timeline.
Choice D rationale
Lansoprazole should be taken before meals, not after, to maximize its effectiveness. Confirming that the client is taking the medication one hour after meals would not address the issue of symptom persistence.