A client in a long term care facility complains of pain. The nurse collects data about the client's pain. The first step in pain assessment is for the nurse to
- A. have the client identify coping methods
- B. get the description of the location and intensity of the pain
- C. accept the client's report of pain
- D. determine the client's status of pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: accept the client's report of pain. Although all of the options above are correct, the first and most important piece of information in this client's pain assessment is what the client is telling you about the pain -- 'the client's report.'
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The nurse has given discharge instructions to parents of a child on phenytoin (Dilantin). Which of the following statements suggests that the teaching was effective?
- A. We will call the health care provider if the child develops acne.'
- B. Our child should brush and floss carefully after every meal.'
- C. We will skip the next dose if vomiting or fever occur.'
- D. When our child is seizure-free for 6 months, we can stop the medication.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Our child should brush and floss carefully after every meal.' Phenytoin causes lymphoid hyperplasia that is most noticeable in the gums. Frequent gum massage and careful attention to good oral hygiene may reduce the gingival hyperplasia.
When caring for a client with a post-right thoracotomy who has undergone an upper lobectomy, the nurse focuses on pain management to promote
- A. relaxation and sleep
- B. deep breathing and coughing
- C. incisional healing
- D. range of motion exercises
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority is preventing postoperative respiratory complications. This client will quickly develop profound atelectasis and eventually pneumonia without adequate gas exchange. Client compliance with recommended deep breathing and coughing exercises will only be achieved with the appropriate pain management.
A client was just taken off the ventilator after surgery and has a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. Which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to the client?
- A. Allow the client to melt ice chips in the mouth
- B. Provide mints to freshen the breath
- C. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge
- D. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge. Frequent cleansing and stimulation of the mucous membrane is important for a client with a nasogastric tube to prevent development of lesions and to promote comfort. Ice chips or mints could be contraindicated, and do not stimulate the tissue. Glycerin swabs do not cleanse since they only moisturize.
The client who is receiving TPN through a subclavian triple-lumen catheter expresses concern to the nurse about bacteria entering the blood through the catheter. The nurse explains that the risk of catheter-related infections can be decreased by taking which action?
- A. Applying an antibiotic ointment at the catheter insertion site daily
- B. Changing the dressing over the catheter insertion site every day
- C. Designating one port of the catheter exclusively for the TPN solution
- D. Instilling an antibiotic solution daily into each port of the catheter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C: Using one port exclusively for TPN reduces infection risk by limiting access points. A, D: Antibiotic use risks resistance. B: Daily dressing changes are unnecessary unless soiled.
The nurse is preparing to change the soiled bed linens of the client with acute diarrhea of unknown origin. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Wear a mask while changing the soiled linens
- B. Wear gown and gloves while in the room
- C. Use alcohol-based hand wash before and after care
- D. Request that the HCP prescribe a stool culture
- E. Post an enteric precaution sign outside the room
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: B: Gown and gloves protect against potential infectious stool. D: A stool culture identifies the cause. E: Enteric precautions prevent transmission. A: Masks are unnecessary for non-airborne pathogens. C: Soap and water are needed for possible C. difficile.