A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse perform first?
Initiate oxygen therapy via nasal cannula for a client who has COPD.
Initiate a 24-hr urine collection for a client who has end-stage kidney disease.
Administer an antibiotic for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Change the dressing for a client who has a decubitus ulcer.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Initiating oxygen therapy for a client with COPD is a priority because oxygenation is critical for clients with respiratory conditions. Hypoxia can lead to serious complications, making this intervention urgent.
B. While initiating a 24-hour urine collection is important for monitoring kidney function, it does not require immediate action compared to the need for oxygen therapy in a client with respiratory distress.
C. Administering antibiotics is essential, especially for a client with an infection like MRSA; however, the need for immediate oxygen therapy takes precedence over medication administration.
D. Changing the dressing for a decubitus ulcer is important for preventing infection and promoting healing but is not as time-sensitive as ensuring adequate oxygenation for the client with COPD.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Keeping the water heater set below 60° C (140° F) is important for preventing scalding but may not be feasible for everyone, as some people prefer hotter water for hygiene.
B. Disposing of unused medications is a critical safety measure to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse, making it the best choice for home safety education.
C. Setting the refrigerator temperature to 7.2° C (45° F) is higher than the recommended maximum of 4° C (40° F) to prevent food spoilage and bacterial growth.
D. Running electrical cords under carpeting poses a fire hazard and should be avoided, thus is not suitable advice for a safety presentation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is the priority because it increases the risk of aspiration, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication for clients with Parkinson's disease.
B. Insomnia, while impacting quality of life, is not as immediately life-threatening as aspiration risk.
C. Needing additional help to stand reflects disease progression but does not carry the immediate risk of a life-threatening complication.
D. Difficulty dressing also indicates disease progression but does not pose an immediate danger to the client’s health.