A nurse is attending a social event when another guest coughs weakly once, grasps his throat with his hands, and cannot talk. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Slap the client on the back several times.
Assist the client to the floor and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Observe the client before taking further action.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is the recommended first aid technique for a conscious person who is choking. This maneuver helps to expel the object blocking the airway by using the air remaining in the lungs to force it out. The nurse should stand behind the person, place their arms around the person’s waist, make a fist with one hand, and place it just above the navel. The other hand should grasp the fist, and quick, upward thrusts should be performed until the object is expelled.
Choice B reason:
Slapping the client on the back several times is not the recommended first action for a conscious adult who is choking. While back blows can be effective, they are typically used in combination with abdominal thrusts and are more commonly recommended for infants. For adults, the Heimlich maneuver is preferred as the initial response.
Choice C reason:
Assisting the client to the floor and beginning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not appropriate for a conscious person who is choking. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or rescue breathing, is used when a person is not breathing and is unresponsive. In this scenario, the client is conscious but unable to speak, indicating a blocked airway that requires the Heimlich maneuver.
Choice D reason:
Observing the client before taking further action is not advisable in a choking emergency. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent the situation from worsening. If the person is unable to speak, cough, or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed without delay.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Botulism is Acquired Through Direct Contact with an Infected Person
Botulism is not acquired through direct contact with an infected person. It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The most common forms of botulism are foodborne, wound, and infant botulism. Foodborne botulism occurs when a person ingests food containing the toxin, while wound botulism occurs when the bacteria infect a wound and produce the toxin. Infant botulism occurs when infants ingest spores of the bacteria, which then grow and produce the toxin in their intestines.
Choice B: Notify the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) When More Than Three Cases Are Confirmed
While notifying the CDC is crucial in the event of a botulism outbreak, the specific threshold for notification can vary. Generally, any suspected case of botulism should be reported to public health authorities immediately due to the severity of the disease and the potential for outbreaks. The CDC provides guidelines for reporting and managing botulism cases.
Choice C: Botulism Can Produce Paralysis Within 12 to 72 Hours Following Exposure
Botulism can indeed produce paralysis within 12 to 72 hours following exposure. The toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis. Early symptoms include weakness, dizziness, and dry mouth, followed by more severe symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. If left untreated, botulism can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Choice D: Vomiting and Diarrhea Are Expected Findings Following Exposure
Vomiting and diarrhea are not typical symptoms of botulism. The primary symptoms are related to muscle paralysis and neurological impairment. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in some cases of foodborne botulism, but they are not the hallmark signs of the disease.
Choice E: Botulism is a Toxin Found in Castor Beans
Botulism is not a toxin found in castor beans. The toxin found in castor beans is ricin, which is a different type of bioterrorism agent. Botulism is caused by the botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Take the Medication with Orange Juice
Taking betamethasone with orange juice is not specifically recommended. While orange juice can help with the taste of some medications, it does not have any particular benefit for betamethasone. Additionally, citrus juices can sometimes interfere with the absorption of certain medications.
Choice B: Take the Medication Between Meals
Taking betamethasone between meals is not advised. This medication can cause stomach upset, and taking it on an empty stomach can exacerbate this issue. It is generally recommended to take corticosteroids with food to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Choice C: Take the Medication on an Empty Stomach
Taking betamethasone on an empty stomach is not recommended for the same reasons as above. It can lead to stomach irritation and discomfort. Taking the medication with food or milk helps to reduce these side effects.
Choice D: Take the Medication with Milk
Taking betamethasone with milk is the correct instruction. Milk can help to buffer the stomach lining and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, which is a common side effect of corticosteroids. This practice helps to ensure that the medication is tolerated well by the client.
