A client is admitted to the emergency department complaining of ...

[schs14]

A client is admitted to the emergency department complaining of the inability to feel the hands and feet after waiting for 2 hours for transportation in 20 F weather. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
 
  A) Warm the hands and feet in 104 F water for 20 to 30 minutes.
  B) Provide an antipyretic.
  C) Rub and massage the hands and feet.
  D) Warm the hands and feet in tepid water for 2 hours.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client with a fever who is experiencing tachypnea. Which is true regarding this client's condition?
 
  A) The decrease in prostaglandin production causes the respiratory rate to increase.
  B) Although it sometimes occurs, an increased respiratory rate is not a common reaction to fever.
  C) One degree of temperature elevation causes an increase in respiratory rate by two breaths per minute.
  D) One degree of temperature elevation causes an increase in respiratory rate by four breaths per minute.

[jjorrostieta]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A

The client's inability to feel his hands and feet after spending 2 hours in 20 F weather would indicate the client is experiencing frostbite. Rapid thawing decreases tissue necrosis and should be done by warming the hands and feet in 104 F water for 20 to 30 minutes. The hands and feet should not be rubbed. Tepid water will not rapidly warm the hands and feet. Antipyretics would be indicated for a fever.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D

Increased respiratory rate always occurs with a fever. Every one degree of temperature elevation causes an increase in respiratory rate of four breaths per minute. Prostaglandin production increases, not decreases during fever.