Nokea
A child presents to the school nurse with left knee pain after suffering a fall on the playground. Which action should the nurse do first?
- A. Instruct the child to extend the affected knee
- B. Perform range of motion exercises on both knees
- C. Compare the appearance of the left knee to the right knee
- D. Have the child soak the affected knee in warm water
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Comparing the appearance of the left knee to the right knee is the most appropriate initial action as it provides a baseline for assessing any visible differences such as swelling, bruising, or deformities. This comparison helps the nurse identify any acute changes in the affected knee's appearance after the fall. Instructing the child to extend the affected knee (Choice A) may worsen the pain or cause further injury. Performing range of motion exercises on both knees (Choice B) could exacerbate the pain and should be avoided until a proper assessment is done. Having the child soak the affected knee in warm water (Choice D) is not the priority at this stage as assessing for any physical changes is more crucial.
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Which task would be appropriate for the LPN to perform?
- A. Changing a colostomy bag.
- B. Hanging a new bag of TPN.
- C. Drawing a peak antibiotic blood level from a central line.
- D. Administering IV pain medication to a two-day post-op client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is changing a colostomy bag. This task falls within the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are trained to provide basic nursing care, including assisting with activities of daily living and certain medical procedures like changing ostomy bags. Hanging a new bag of TPN and drawing a peak antibiotic blood level from a central line are tasks that require a higher level of training and are typically performed by RNs due to their complexity and potential risks. Administering IV pain medication to a two-day post-op client is usually the responsibility of an RN as it involves close monitoring, assessment of the client's condition, and the administration of potent medications that require a higher level of clinical judgment and expertise.
What is the priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural?
- A. Continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure.
- B. Frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate.
- C. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc.
- D. Frequent monitoring of the maternal temperature.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural is continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure. This is crucial because epidural anesthesia can lead to a precipitous drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both the mother and fetus by reducing cardiac output and placental perfusion. While frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate is important, it is not the priority in this situation. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc may not be necessary if the client's blood pressure is stable. Monitoring the maternal temperature is also essential but takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring.
What is the best position for a client immediately following a bilateral salpingooophorectomy?
- A. Fowler's
- B. Modified Sims
- C. Side lying
- D. Flat supine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best position for a client immediately following a bilateral salpingooophorectomy is side lying. This position promotes comfort with the knees flexed and ensures proper airway management. Fowler's position (Choice A) would not be ideal as it involves sitting at a 90-degree angle, potentially causing discomfort after this procedure. Modified Sims position (Choice B) is typically used for rectal examinations, not for post-surgical management. Flat supine (Choice D) may not be the best choice immediately after surgery as it does not provide the same level of comfort and airway protection as side lying with knees flexed.
A 3-day post-operative client with a Left Knee Replacement is complaining of being chilled and nauseated. Her TPR is 100.4-94-28 and Blood Pressure is 146/90. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Call the surgeon immediately.
- B. Administer Extra Strength Tylenol per orders.
- C. Assess the surgical site.
- D. Offer extra blankets and increase fluids.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to call the surgeon immediately. The client's symptoms of being chilled and nauseated, along with an elevated temperature (100.4°F), could indicate an infection following the knee replacement surgery. In this scenario, prompt action is crucial to prevent any potential complications. Calling the surgeon allows for further assessment, possible diagnostic tests, and appropriate interventions to be initiated. Administering Tylenol or offering blankets and fluids may temporarily alleviate symptoms but do not address the underlying issue of a potential infection. Assessing the surgical site is important but not as urgent as involving the surgeon in this situation.
The nurse overhears two nursing students talking about a client in the cafeteria. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Report the incident to the nursing supervisor.
- B. Write up a variance report about the incident.
- C. Instruct the students that this is a violation of HIPAA.
- D. Notify the students' faculty regarding the violation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the students that discussing a client in a public area like the cafeteria violates HIPAA regulations. This is important to educate the students about patient confidentiality and the consequences of breaching it. Reporting to the nursing supervisor or faculty should come after addressing the students directly. Writing up a variance report is not the immediate action needed in this situation, as educating the students about their mistake should be the priority. It is essential to address the issue at the source by educating the students first rather than escalating the matter to supervisors or faculty immediately.