what is the nurses priority intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. What is the priority intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?

A. Administer nitroglycerin as prescribed.
B. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths.
C. Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
D. Encourage the patient to rest in a comfortable position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin as prescribed. Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow, addressing the immediate concern of chest pain. Encouraging deep breaths may not be appropriate for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure, although important, is not the priority when the patient is experiencing chest pain, and while resting in a comfortable position is beneficial, administering nitroglycerin is the priority intervention to address the chest pain.

2. A public health nurse is developing guidelines for the management of a botulism outbreak. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A. High-risk individuals should receive immunoglobulin E (IgE)
B. Implement airborne precautions for clients who have botulism
C. Administer an aminoglycoside medication
D. Rinse skin with soap and water following exposure to the botulism toxin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Rinsing the skin with soap and water following exposure to the botulism toxin is crucial as it helps remove the toxin from the skin, preventing further absorption. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is not used in the management of botulism. Airborne precautions are not necessary for botulism as it is not transmitted through the air. Aminoglycoside medications are not the treatment of choice for botulism.

3. A client with severe dyspnea is scheduled for multiple diagnostic tests. Which test should the nurse prioritize?

A. Administer an echocardiogram first.
B. Prioritize a chest x-ray for the client.
C. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
D. Order an MRI first.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prioritize a chest x-ray for the client. When a client presents with severe dyspnea, a chest x-ray should be prioritized as it helps in assessing the lungs and heart, which are crucial in cases of respiratory distress. Echocardiograms are more focused on assessing heart function and may not provide immediate information needed in cases of dyspnea. CT scans and MRIs are more detailed imaging studies that are not typically the first-line diagnostic tests for severe dyspnea.

4. When is removal of the restraints by the nurse appropriate?

A. When medication that has been administered has taken effect
B. When no acts of aggression are observed in the hour following the release of two extremity restraints
C. When the nurse explores with the client the reasons for the angry and aggressive behavior
D. When the client apologizes and tells the nurse that it will never happen again

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse can safely remove restraints once no aggressive behavior is observed after releasing two extremity restraints for an hour. Choice A is incorrect because the removal of restraints should be based on the client's behavior rather than just the effect of medication. Choice C is incorrect as exploring reasons for aggressive behavior should be done before or during the intervention, not as a condition for removing restraints. Choice D is incorrect since an apology from the client does not guarantee a change in behavior or indicate that it is safe to remove the restraints.

5. The nurse is preparing a care plan for a patient who is immobile. Which psychosocial aspect will the nurse assess for?

A. Loss of weight
B. Loss of bone mass
C. Loss of hope
D. Loss of strength

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is immobile, the nurse should assess for psychosocial aspects, including a loss of hope and increased risk of depression. While issues like weight loss (choice A), loss of bone mass (choice B), and loss of strength (choice D) can also occur due to immobility, the primary concern in this scenario is the patient's mental and emotional well-being, making 'Loss of hope' the correct answer.