The healthcare provider attaches a pulse oximeter to a client's fingers and obtains an oxygen saturation reading of 91%. Which assessment finding most likely contributes to this reading?
- A. BP 142/88 mmHg
- B. 2+ edema of fingers and hands
- C. Radial pulse volume is +3
- D. Capillary refill time is 2 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Edema in the fingers and hands can impede the proper functioning of the pulse oximeter, leading to a falsely low oxygen saturation reading. Edema alters the transmission of light through the tissues, affecting the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, the presence of edema in the fingers and hands is the most likely factor contributing to the low oxygen saturation reading of 91%.
You may also like to solve these questions
While interviewing a client, the nurse records the assessment in the electronic health record. Which statement is most accurate regarding electronic documentation during an interview?
- A. The client's comfort level is increased when the nurse breaks eye contact to type notes into the record
- B. The interview process is enhanced with electronic documentation and allows the client to speak at a normal pace
- C. The nurse has limited ability to observe nonverbal communication while entering the assessment electronically
- D. Completing the electronic record during an interview is a legal obligation of the examining nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choosing electronic documentation during an interview may hinder the nurse's ability to observe the client's nonverbal cues. Nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, plays a crucial role in understanding a client's feelings and needs. Focusing on entering data electronically may lead to missing important nonverbal cues that could provide valuable insights into the client's condition or emotions.
During a home visit, an elderly female client who had a brain attack three months ago and can now ambulate with a quad cane is assessed by the nurse. Which assessment finding has the greatest implications for this client's care?
- A. The husband, who is the caregiver, begins to weep when the nurse asks how he is doing.
- B. The client tells the nurse that she does not have much of an appetite today.
- C. The nurse notes that there are numerous scatter rugs throughout the house.
- D. The client's pulse rate is 10 beats higher than it was at the last visit one week ago.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of numerous scatter rugs throughout the house poses a significant safety hazard to the client who is ambulating with a quad cane. These rugs increase the risk of tripping and falling, making it the most critical finding that needs immediate attention to prevent potential injuries and ensure the client's safety during ambulation.
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior to administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP?
- A. Position the client on the right side of the bed in reverse Trendelenburg.
- B. Fill the enema container with 1000 ml of warm water and 5 ml of castile soap.
- C. Reposition the client in the Sims' position.
- D. Raise the side rails on both sides of the bed and elevate the bed to waist level.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct position for administering a soap suds enema is the Sims' position, not the left lateral position. The Sims' position allows the enema solution to follow the anatomical course of the intestines and provides the best overall results. By repositioning the client in the Sims' position, the weight is distributed to the anterior ilium, facilitating the enema administration process.
Earlier this morning, an elderly Hispanic female was discharged to a LTC facility. The family members are now gathered in the hallway outside her room. What is the best action?
- A. Ask the family to wait in the cafeteria while the next of kin makes the necessary arrangements
- B. Provide space and privacy for the family to share their concerns about the client's discharge
- C. Ask the social worker to encourage the family to clear the hallway
- D. Explain to the family the client's need for privacy so that she can make independent decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, providing space and privacy for the family allows them to openly discuss their concerns regarding the client's discharge. It respects the family's need for support, communication, and involvement in the decision-making process, ultimately fostering a more effective and compassionate care environment.
The client has a chest tube. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Ensure the chest tube remains unclamped at all times.
- B. Empty the chest tube every 2 hours.
- C. Keep the drainage system below the level of the chest.
- D. Assess for subcutaneous emphysema.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the drainage system below the level of the chest (C) is crucial to ensure proper drainage and prevent backflow of air or fluid into the chest cavity. This position helps maintain the integrity of the closed drainage system. Ensuring the chest tube remains unclamped at all times (A) allows for continuous drainage. Emptying the chest tube (B) should be done as needed, not routinely every 2 hours. Assessing for subcutaneous emphysema (D) is important but not the most critical action in this scenario.