The nurse is providing care for a client with a new tracheostomy. Which of these assessments is a priority?
- A. Checking the client's oxygen saturation level
- B. Monitoring the client's pain level
- C. Checking the tracheostomy site for signs of infection
- D. Monitoring the client's level of consciousness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a client with a new tracheostomy, the priority assessment is checking the tracheostomy site for signs of infection. This is essential to detect early signs of complications such as infection, which can lead to serious issues. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not as critical as ensuring the tracheostomy site is free from infection. Pain assessment and level of consciousness are also important but secondary to assessing for signs of infection in this scenario.
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A parent asks the school nurse how to eliminate lice from their child. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Cut the child's hair short to remove the nits
- B. Apply warm soaks to the head twice daily
- C. Wash the child's linen and clothing in a bleach solution
- D. Application of pediculicides
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client is receiving intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of a severe infection. Which of these assessments is a priority for the nurse to perform?
- A. Monitor the client's temperature
- B. Assess the client's pain level
- C. Check the intravenous (IV) site for signs of phlebitis
- D. Monitor the client's respiratory status
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is receiving intravenous antibiotics, checking the IV site for signs of phlebitis is a priority assessment for the nurse. Phlebitis is an inflammation of the vein, which can lead to serious complications such as infection and thrombosis. Monitoring the IV site helps prevent these complications and ensures the safe delivery of antibiotics. While monitoring the client's temperature, pain level, and respiratory status are important assessments, they are not the priority in this scenario where IV antibiotic administration requires close monitoring for complications like phlebitis.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of peptic ulcer disease. Which of these findings would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. A heart rate of 72 beats per minute
- B. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
- C. The client reports black, tarry stools
- D. The client reports nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease. This finding suggests active bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, requiring immediate attention. A normal heart rate of 72 beats per minute (choice A) is within the expected range. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL (choice B) is also within normal limits. Nausea and vomiting (choice D) are common symptoms associated with peptic ulcer disease but may not necessarily indicate active bleeding like black, tarry stools.
A client has altered renal function and is being treated at home. The nurse recognizes that the most accurate indicator of fluid balance during the weekly visits is:
- A. difference in the intake and output
- B. changes in the mucous membranes
- C. skin turgor
- D. weekly weight
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a client with altered renal function, monitoring fluid balance is crucial. Weekly weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance during the visits as it reflects cumulative changes in the body's fluid status. Changes in intake and output (Choice A) can provide valuable information, but weekly weight is a more direct measure of overall fluid retention or loss. Changes in mucous membranes (Choice B) and skin turgor (Choice C) can be influenced by factors other than fluid balance, making them less reliable indicators in this context.
The nurse is assessing a client 2 hours postoperatively after a femoral popliteal bypass. The upper leg dressing becomes saturated with blood. The nurse's first action should be to
- A. Wrap the leg with elastic bandages
- B. Apply pressure at the bleeding site
- C. Reinforce the dressing and elevate the leg
- D. Remove the dressings and re-dress the incision
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario where the upper leg dressing becomes saturated with blood post-femoral popliteal bypass, the nurse's first action should be to apply pressure at the bleeding site. Applying pressure is essential to control hemorrhage and prevent further blood loss.
Choice A is incorrect as wrapping the leg with elastic bandages would not address the immediate issue of controlling the bleeding.
Choice C is incorrect because reinforcing the dressing and elevating the leg should come after controlling the bleeding.
Choice D is incorrect as removing the dressings and re-dressing the incision should only be done after the bleeding is under control to prevent excessive blood loss.