how should a nurse respond to a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023

1. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen and calling for emergency assistance are the immediate priorities when managing a suspected pulmonary embolism. Oxygen helps support the patient's respiratory function, while emergency assistance is crucial for further evaluation and treatment. Positioning the patient in a prone position or giving fluids can worsen the condition by impeding blood flow. Administering anticoagulants may be part of the treatment plan but is not the initial response. Thrombolytics and chest physiotherapy are not first-line treatments for suspected pulmonary embolism and can even be harmful without prior evaluation.

2. A client with a tracheostomy shows signs of respiratory distress. What action should the nurse take immediately?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct immediate action for a client with a tracheostomy showing signs of respiratory distress is to suction the tracheostomy. Respiratory distress in this case is often caused by a blockage, which can be quickly relieved by suctioning to clear the airway. Increasing the suction setting on the ventilator (Choice A) may not address the immediate blockage in the tracheostomy. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice B) may help with bronchoconstriction but does not address the potential blockage in the tracheostomy. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice D) may not be effective in relieving the immediate respiratory distress caused by a blocked tracheostomy.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Where is your pain located?' When a client is experiencing severe pain, determining the location of the pain is crucial as it helps the nurse identify potential causes and select appropriate interventions. Option A may be important but assessing the location of pain takes precedence as it can provide valuable information for immediate management. Option C focuses on the current treatment, which is important but not the first priority. Option D, knowing when the pain started, is relevant but does not help in immediate pain management.

4. What should a healthcare provider prioritize for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the priority is to monitor for signs of depression. Individuals with bipolar disorder are at risk of severe depressive episodes, making it crucial to watch for signs of depression. While changes in energy levels and self-esteem are common in bipolar disorder, they are not the primary focus. Hyperactivity is a characteristic of the manic phase of bipolar disorder, so monitoring for depression is the priority in this case.

5. Which nursing action is a priority when caring for a client with heart failure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily is a priority action when caring for a client with heart failure because it helps monitor fluid balance. This monitoring is essential in managing heart failure as it allows healthcare providers to assess for signs of fluid retention or depletion, which are crucial in adjusting treatment plans. Encouraging the client to drink fluids frequently (Choice A) may worsen fluid overload in heart failure patients. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can exacerbate fluid retention. While limiting sodium intake (Choice D) is important in heart failure management, monitoring fluid balance through daily weighing takes precedence as a priority nursing action.

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