A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who was admitted to the postpartum unit. The client is diaphoretic, skin is clammy, pulse is rapid and strong, respirations are shallow. The client reports headache, nausea, and feeling weak.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer oxygen.
Offer an ice pack.
Provide a warm blanket.
Elevate the client’s legs.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen may help with symptoms like headache and weakness, but it does not address the underlying issue of poor circulation and potential shock. Elevating the legs is more effective in improving blood flow to vital organs.
Choice B rationale
Offering an ice pack is not appropriate for the symptoms described. The client is showing signs of shock, and an ice pack would not address the underlying issue.
Choice C rationale
Providing a warm blanket may offer comfort, but it does not address the symptoms of shock. Elevating the legs is a more direct intervention to improve circulation and stabilize the client.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the client’s legs helps improve venous return to the heart, increasing cardiac output and stabilizing blood pressure. This is a critical intervention for a client showing signs of shock.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A Papanicolaou test, commonly known as a Pap smear, is used to detect cervical cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix. It does not detect herpes simplex type 1. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) testing is typically done through a swab of the lesion or blood tests to detect antibodies.
Choice B rationale
A glucose tolerance test is performed during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes, not to predict hyperglycemia in the baby. This test helps identify how well the mother’s body is managing glucose and ensures that both mother and baby remain healthy during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
A multiple marker screening, also known as a triple or quad screen, is performed during pregnancy to identify potential neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. This test measures specific substances in the mother’s blood to assess the risk of these conditions.
Choice D rationale
Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening is performed to detect the presence of GBS bacteria in the mother’s body, not to determine the presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). GBS can cause serious infections in newborns, so it is important to identify and treat it before delivery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Serum bilirubin is not the priority test for hyperemesis gravidarum. It is more relevant for assessing liver function and jaundice.
Choice B rationale
Liver enzymes may be elevated in hyperemesis gravidarum, but they are not the priority test. The primary concern is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice C rationale
A CBC can provide information on the client’s overall health, but it is not the priority test for hyperemesis gravidarum. The focus should be on assessing hydration status.
Choice D rationale
Urinalysis for ketones is the priority test because it helps assess the severity of dehydration and malnutrition. The presence of ketones indicates that the body is breaking down fat for energy, which is a sign of inadequate caloric intake.