Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What action should the nurse take if a client becomes unresponsive during a procedure?

1. Shake the client to wake them.

2. Check for a pulse.

3. Call for help and begin CPR.

4. Monitor vital signs until help arrives.

The correct answer is: Call for help and begin CPR.

In a situation where a client becomes unresponsive during a procedure, the most appropriate action is to call for help and begin CPR. This choice prioritizes the immediate safety and resuscitation of the client. When a person is unresponsive, it suggests that they may not be breathing or may have an obstructed airway. Initiating CPR promptly can help restore circulation and oxygen to vital organs, increasing the chances of survival. Calling for help ensures that additional trained personnel or emergency services can arrive quickly to assist, which is crucial in a life-threatening situation. The other options, while they may seem like appropriate responses, do not address the urgency of the situation as effectively. Checking for a pulse is important but should ideally be done concurrently with CPR rather than as a separate initial action. Monitoring vital signs until help arrives can waste valuable time that could be used for resuscitation, and shaking the client to wake them is potentially dangerous and inappropriate if the client is indeed unresponsive. The focus should always be on maintaining a clear pathway for immediate medical intervention and support.