After reviewing the database, the nurse discovers that the patient’s vital signs have not been recorded by the nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Which clinical decision should the nurse make? Administer scheduled medications assuming that the NAP would have reported
- A. abnormal vital signs. Have the patient transported to the radiology department for a scheduled x-ray, and
- B. review vital signs upon return.
- C. Ask the NAP to record the patient’s vital signs before administering medications.
- D. Omit the vital signs because the patient is presently in no distress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Safety First - The nurse's priority is patient safety. Without vital signs, medication administration can be unsafe.
Step 2: Accountability - The nurse must ensure accurate and timely vital signs recording before making clinical decisions.
Step 3: Delegation - Asking the NAP to record vital signs aligns with their role and helps maintain a reliable record.
Step 4: Proactive Approach - By having the NAP record vital signs, the nurse can make informed decisions based on accurate data.
Summary:
A: Incorrect - Proceeding with medications without vital signs can risk patient safety.
B: Incorrect - Waiting to review vital signs later can delay necessary interventions.
D: Incorrect - Omitting vital signs is negligent and compromises patient care.
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A client who is scheduled for a parathyroidectomy is worried about having to wear a scarf around his neck after surgery. What nursing diagnosis should the nurse document in the care plan?
- A. Risk for impaired physical mobility due to surgery
- B. Ineffective denial related to poor coping mechanisms
- C. Disturbed body image related to the incision scar
- D. Risk of injury related to surgical outcomes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Disturbed body image related to the incision scar. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate as the client's concern about wearing a scarf post-surgery indicates a potential disturbance in body image due to the visible scar. The nurse should address the client's emotional response and offer support to help cope with the change in appearance.
A: Risk for impaired physical mobility due to surgery - This choice is not directly related to the client's worry about wearing a scarf and focuses more on physical limitations post-surgery.
B: Ineffective denial related to poor coping mechanisms - This choice does not address the specific body image concern expressed by the client.
D: Risk of injury related to surgical outcomes - This choice does not address the client's emotional response to the scar and focuses on physical safety risks instead.
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with diabetes mellitus. A client with diabetes mellitus should:
- A. Use commercial preparations to remove
- B. Wash and inspect the feet daily
- C. Walk barefoot at least once each daily
- D. Cut the toenails by rounding edges
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wash and inspect the feet daily. This is important for clients with diabetes mellitus to prevent complications like foot ulcers. Daily foot care helps detect any issues early. Choice A is incorrect as it is not recommended to use commercial preparations without medical advice. Choice C is incorrect as walking barefoot can increase the risk of injury and infection. Choice D is incorrect as cutting toenails by rounding edges can lead to ingrown toenails, which can be dangerous for clients with diabetes.
After reviewing the database, the nurse discovers that the patient’s vital signs have not been recorded by the nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Which clinical decision should the nurse make? Administer scheduled medications assuming that the NAP would have reported
- A. abnormal vital signs. Have the patient transported to the radiology department for a scheduled x-ray, and
- B. review vital signs upon return.
- C. Ask the NAP to record the patient’s vital signs before administering medications.
- D. Omit the vital signs because the patient is presently in no distress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Choice C:
1. Safety First: Recording vital signs is crucial for patient safety. Asking the NAP to record vital signs ensures the patient's condition is monitored before administering medications.
2. Accountability: Nurses are responsible for ensuring accurate documentation of vital signs. Asking the NAP to record them maintains accountability within the healthcare team.
3. Communication: By requesting the NAP to record vital signs, the nurse fosters effective communication and collaboration in patient care.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Administering medications without reviewing vital signs could lead to adverse effects if there are abnormalities.
B: Reviewing vital signs upon return delays immediate action and could jeopardize patient safety.
D: Omitting vital signs neglects the essential monitoring required for patient care and could result in missed opportunities for early intervention.
Nursing assessment for a patient with metabolic alkalosis includes evaluation of laboratory data for all of the following except:
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypoglycemia
- D. Hypoxemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypoglycemia. In metabolic alkalosis, the blood pH is elevated due to an excess of bicarbonate. Hypoglycemia is not directly related to metabolic alkalosis but can be seen in other conditions like diabetes or fasting. Evaluating for hypocalcemia (A) is important as alkalosis can lead to decreased ionized calcium levels. Hypokalemia (B) is common in metabolic alkalosis due to potassium loss. Hypoxemia (D) is not directly related to metabolic alkalosis but can occur in severe cases due to respiratory compensation. Therefore, hypoglycemia is the least relevant in assessing metabolic alkalosis.
What is the most important postoperative instruction the nurse must give a client who has just returned from the operating room after receiving a subarachnoid block?
- A. “Avoid drinking liquids until the gag reflex returns.”
- B. “Avoid eating milk products for 24 hours.”
- C. “Notify a nurse if you experience blood in your urine.”
- D. “Remain supine for the time specified by the physician.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “Remain supine for the time specified by the physician.” After a subarachnoid block, the client must remain lying down to prevent complications like spinal headaches due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. This position helps maintain adequate spinal fluid pressure. Choice A is incorrect as fluid intake is important postoperatively. Choice B is not relevant to a subarachnoid block. Choice C is important but not the most crucial instruction compared to maintaining the supine position.