what is the nurses priority action when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication what is the nurses priority action when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B

1. What is the priority action when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the medication and notify the healthcare provider when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication. This action is crucial to prevent further harm to the patient. Monitoring blood pressure (choice A) or urine output (choice D) may be important but is not the priority when managing an allergic reaction. Administering an antihistamine (choice C) should only be done after discontinuing the medication and consulting with the healthcare provider.

2. Almost all (99%) of the calcium in the body is used for?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: providing rigidity for the bones. Almost all of the calcium in the body is utilized for maintaining the strength and structure of bones and teeth. Calcium plays a crucial role in skeletal health by providing rigidity and support to the skeletal system. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while calcium is essential for various physiological functions like nerve transmission, cell energy production, and muscle contraction, the majority of calcium in the body is primarily allocated for bone health.

3. A client has a mediastinal chest tube. Which symptom requires the nurse's immediate intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immediate intervention is required if the client exhibits tracheal deviation as it could indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention to prevent respiratory compromise. Production of pink sputum may indicate bleeding but would not be as immediately life-threatening as tracheal deviation. Drainage greater than 70 mL/hr could indicate hemorrhage, which also requires attention but is not as urgent as tracheal deviation. Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate various issues, including dislodgment of the tube or pneumothorax, which require intervention but are not as critical as tracheal deviation in this context.

4. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

Correct answer: C: Heparinize the shunt daily

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

5. A healthcare professional is monitoring a client who is receiving spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the professional report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is a potentially dangerous condition. Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, can cause potassium retention, leading to hyperkalemia. This electrolyte imbalance can result in serious consequences such as cardiac dysrhythmias. The healthcare professional should promptly report this finding to the provider, withhold the medication, and take appropriate actions to prevent complications. Monitoring and managing potassium levels are crucial in clients receiving spironolactone. The other options do not directly relate to the potential adverse effects of spironolactone and are within normal limits, making them less urgent to report.

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