An RN is making assignments for client care to an LPN at the beginning of the shift. Which of the following assignments should the LPN question?
- A. Assisting a client who is 24hr postop to use an incentive spirometer
- B. Collecting a clean-catch urine specimen from a client who was admitted on the previous shift
- C. Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client who has pneumonia
- D. Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The LPN should question assignment D (replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump) because this task involves medication administration and intravenous therapy, which are typically outside the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are not trained to handle complex medication delivery systems like PCA pumps, as this requires specialized knowledge and skills that are within the RN's scope of practice. It is crucial for patient safety that tasks are assigned to healthcare providers based on their education, training, and scope of practice to prevent errors and ensure quality care. Assignments A, B, and C are within the LPN's scope of practice and can be safely performed without questioning.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty breathing. The client is lying in bed & is already receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow.
- B. Assist the client to Fowler's position.
- C. Promote removal of pulmonary secretions.
- D. Obtain a specimen for arterial blood gases.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the client to Fowler's position. This is the priority intervention because elevating the client to Fowler's position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and allowing better ventilation. Increasing oxygen flow (Choice A) may be needed, but positioning takes precedence. Promoting removal of pulmonary secretions (Choice C) is important but not the priority in this case. Obtaining arterial blood gases (Choice D) is important for assessing oxygenation status but can be done after ensuring optimal positioning.
A nurse is instructing a group of nursing students in measuring a client's respiratory rate. Which of the following guidelines should the nurse include? Select all.
- A. Place the client in semi-Fowler's position
- B. Have the client rest an arm across the abdomen
- C. Observe one full respiratory cycle before counting the rate
- D. Count the rate for one minute if it is regular
- E. Count & report any sighs the client demonstrates
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: The correct guidelines for measuring a client's respiratory rate are to place the client in semi-Fowler's position, have the client rest an arm across the abdomen, and observe one full respiratory cycle before counting the rate. Placing the client in semi-Fowler's position helps with optimal lung expansion and breathing efficiency. Having the client rest an arm across the abdomen can help the nurse visualize the rise and fall of the chest more clearly. Observing one full respiratory cycle before counting the rate ensures accuracy in counting. These guidelines are essential for obtaining an accurate respiratory rate. Choices D and E are incorrect as counting for one minute is unnecessary if the rate is regular, and counting and reporting sighs is not part of the respiratory rate measurement process.
A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to an adult client in preparation for a diagnostic procedure. Which of the following are appropriate steps for the nurse to take? Select all.
- A. Warm the enema prior to instillation
- B. Position the client on the left side with the right leg flexed forward
- C. Lubricate the rectal tube or nozzle
- D. Slowly insert the rectal tube about 2 inches
- E. Hang the enema container 24 inches above the client's anus
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: The correct steps for administering a cleansing enema are to warm the enema prior to instillation to prevent discomfort, position the client on the left side with the right leg flexed forward to facilitate the flow of the solution, and lubricate the rectal tube or nozzle to ease insertion. Warming the enema helps relax the colon, the left side position helps the solution flow toward the rectum, and lubrication minimizes discomfort and potential injury. Other choices are incorrect: slowly inserting the rectal tube 2 inches is too shallow, hanging the enema container 24 inches above the client's anus may be too high causing a rapid flow and potential injury.
A nurse is caring for a client who has had diarrhea for the past 4 days. When assessing the client, the nurse should expect which of the following findings? Select all.
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Fever
- D. Poor skin turgor
- E. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: B, C, D
Rationale: The correct answers are B, C, and D. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, causing hypotension (B) due to decreased blood volume, fever (C) as a result of dehydration and infection, and poor skin turgor (D) due to decreased tissue hydration. Bradycardia (A) is unlikely as the body compensates for dehydration with increased heart rate. Peripheral edema (E) is not expected as dehydration leads to fluid depletion, not retention.
A nurse is preparing to instill an enteral feeding to a client who has an NG tube in place. What is the nurse's highest assessment priority before performing this procedure?
- A. Check how long the feeding container has been opened.
- B. Verify the placement of the NG tube.
- C. Confirm that the client doesn't have diarrhea.
- D. Make sure the client is alert & oriented.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the placement of the NG tube. This is the highest assessment priority before instilling enteral feeding to prevent complications like aspiration. The nurse must ensure the NG tube is correctly positioned in the stomach to avoid feeding into the lungs. Checking the length of time the feeding container has been open (A) is important but not as critical as verifying tube placement. Confirming the client doesn't have diarrhea (C) is important for monitoring overall health but not directly related to the procedure. Ensuring the client is alert and oriented (D) is essential but not the priority for this specific procedure.