Reduction of Risk Potential Q 1

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A 28-year-old male has been found wandering around in a confusing pattern. The male is sweaty and pale. Which of the following tests is most likely to be performed first?

  

     A. Blood sugar check

     B. CT scan

     C. Blood cultures

     D. Arterial blood gases

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Blood sugar check

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With a history of diabetes, the first response should be to check blood sugar levels.

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Option B: Performing a CT scan at this stage of assessment is unnecessary. A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays do.

Option C: A blood culture test helps the doctor figure out if the client has a kind of infection that is in the bloodstream and can affect the entire body. Doctors call this a systemic infection. The test checks a sample of the blood for bacteria or yeast that might be causing the infection.

Option D: An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It also measures the body’s acid-base (pH) level, which is usually in balance when healthy.

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