In assessing the client with an aortic aneurysm before surgery, a nurse notes that the client's systolic blood pressure has increased by 30 mm Hg compared with the reading 1 hour ago. What is the nurse's best first action?
A. Measure abdominal girth.
B. Auscultate the abdomen.
C. Increase the IV rate.
D. Measure blood pressure in both arms.
A
A sudden increase in blood pressure or hypertension can cause enlargement or rupture of the aneurysm.
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A patient who has been taking phenobarbital for epilepsy begins taking valproic acid [Depakote] as adjunct therapy. The nurse notes that the patient is very drowsy. What will the nurse do?
a. Explain to the patient that tolerance to se-dation eventually will develop. b. Notify the prescriber, and request an order to reduce the dose of phenobarbital. c. Notify the prescriber of the need to in-crease the dose of valproic acid. d. Request an order for liver function tests to monitor for hepatotoxicity.
A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who is admitted to the hospital for initiation of treatment with amiodarone [Cordarone] for atrial fibrillation that has been refractory to other medications
Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? a. "I may have itching, malaise, and jaun-dice, but these symptoms will subside." b. "I need to use sunblock to help keep my skin from turning bluish gray." c. "I should not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication." d. "I should report shortness of breath and cough and stop taking the drug imme-diately."
To attempt to alleviate the pain of a client with acute pancreatitis, the nurse would place the client in the
a. prone position with a pillow under the abdomen. b. semi-Fowler position with a small pillow under the knees. c. side-lying position with a pillow splinting the abdomen. d. supine position with a cold pack to the abdomen.
Treatment of a SAH can include surgery, embolization, medications, and watchful waiting
What factors are considered in determining treatment? What will be an ideal response?