A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in the emergency department and reports severe radiating chest pain and shortness of breath. The client appears restless, frightened, and slightly cyanotic. The provider prescribes oxygen by nasal cannula at 4 L/min stat, cardiac enzyme levels, IV fluids, and a 12-lead ECG. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain a blood sample.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Insert the IV catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtain a blood sample. Although obtaining a blood sample is essential for cardiac enzyme levels, it is not the highest priority. Addressing oxygenation takes precedence to relieve hypoxia.
B. Initiate oxygen therapy. Oxygen is the first priority to improve oxygenation in a client showing signs of hypoxia (cyanosis, dyspnea), which can prevent further ischemic damage to the heart.
C. Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG. While obtaining an ECG is essential for diagnosing myocardial ischemia, ensuring oxygenation is more critical in this moment.
D. Insert the IV catheter. An IV line is necessary to administer fluids and medications, but oxygenation should be prioritized first to stabilize the client.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. To prevent blood clotting: Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent, and it reduces blood clot formation, which helps prevent further cardiac events after an MI.
B. To reduce inflammation: Although aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, this is not the primary reason for its use in post-MI clients.
C. To prevent fever: Aspirin can reduce fever, but this is not its purpose in MI prevention.
D. To provide analgesia: Aspirin can relieve pain, but in this context, it is used to prevent blood clotting, not as an analgesic.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cerebral blood flow. MAP is crucial for maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressure, ensuring enough blood flow to the brain.
B. The client's intake and output needs. MAP does not directly influence intake and output needs; it is more directly related to blood flow and tissue perfusion.
C. Regulation of blood pressure. MAP is a measure of average blood pressure but not a regulator of it.
D. Resorption of cerebrospinal fluid. CSF resorption is not directly influenced by MAP; it’s regulated by intracranial pressure and other factors.