a client is undergoing chemotherapy and reports a sudden onset of severe back pain what should the nurse do first
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Adult Health 1 Final Exam

1. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports a sudden onset of severe back pain. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to assess the nature and intensity of the pain. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the underlying cause of the pain, whether it is related to the chemotherapy or another issue. Understanding the pain's characteristics will guide the nurse in implementing appropriate interventions and seeking timely medical assistance if needed. Administering pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask important symptoms and delay necessary treatment. Encouraging rest and hot pack application may be appropriate interventions but should come after assessing the pain. Notifying the physician immediately can be important but should follow the initial assessment to provide comprehensive information to the healthcare provider.

2. The client with a diagnosis of hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes. Which recommendation is most important to include?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for individuals with hypertension as it helps lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Physical activity is known to have a significant impact on reducing hypertension and overall cardiovascular risk. Choice A, increasing sodium intake, is incorrect as reducing sodium is typically recommended for hypertension to help lower blood pressure. Choice C, avoiding foods high in fat, is beneficial for overall health but not the most crucial recommendation for hypertension management. Choice D, limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day, is not a standard recommendation for hypertension unless advised by a healthcare provider for specific cases. Therefore, the most important recommendation for the client with hypertension is to engage in regular physical activity.

3. A client with a severe headache is being assessed by a nurse. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client presents with a severe headache, the initial action should be to check their blood pressure. This step is crucial as it can help determine if the headache is related to hypertension or other cardiovascular issues. Administering pain relief medication should only be done after assessing the client's vital signs and confirming the cause of the headache. While assessing for associated symptoms like nausea or photophobia is important for a comprehensive evaluation, it should follow checking the blood pressure to address immediate concerns. Offering a quiet environment is indeed beneficial for the client's comfort, but it is not the priority when dealing with a severe headache.

4. The nurse is palpating the right upper hypochondriac region of the abdomen of a client. What organ lies underneath this area?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Liver. The liver is located in the right upper hypochondriac region of the abdomen. The duodenum (Choice A) is located in the right upper quadrant but not directly underneath the right upper hypochondriac region. The gastric pylorus (Choice B) is part of the stomach and is located more centrally in the abdomen. The spleen (Choice D) is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, not underneath the right upper hypochondriac region.

5. A client presents to the emergency department with symptoms of a myocardial infarction. What should the nurse administer immediately under doctor's orders?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting. Administering aspirin is crucial in the immediate management of a myocardial infarction as it helps prevent further blood clot formation, which is a key component in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy (Choice B) is often provided, but aspirin takes precedence due to its role in reducing clot formation. Intravenous fluids (Choice C) may be needed but are not the immediate priority in this situation. Nitroglycerin (Choice D) is commonly used for chest pain relief in myocardial infarction but is not the first medication to be administered in this scenario.

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