A client who has just had a mastectomy has a closed wound suction device (hemovac) in place. Which nursing action will ensure proper operation of the device?
- A. Collapsing the device whenever it is 1/2 to 2/3 full of air.
- B. Emptying the device every 4 hours.
- C. Replacing the device every 24 hours.
- D. Keeping the device above the level of the surgical site.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Collapsing the device when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full of air is the correct nursing action to ensure proper operation of a closed wound suction device (hemovac). This action maintains negative pressure, which is essential for proper suction and drainage of the wound. Emptying the device every 4 hours (Choice B) is not necessary as the focus should be on collapsing it appropriately. Replacing the device every 24 hours (Choice C) is not a standard practice unless indicated by the healthcare provider. Keeping the device above the level of the surgical site (Choice D) is not necessary for the device's proper operation; collapsing it to maintain negative pressure is the key action.
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A nurse is providing home care for a client who is receiving tube feedings and medication through a gastrostomy tube. The family member providing the feedings reports that the client has begun to have diarrhea. For which of the following practices should the nurse intervene?
- A. The family member washes out the feeding bag with warm water once every 24 hours.
- B. The family member washes out the feeding bag with hot water once every 24 hours.
- C. The family member washes out the feeding bag with soap and water every 24 hours.
- D. The family member changes the feeding bag every 24 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Washing out the feeding bag with warm water once every 24 hours is not sufficient to prevent bacterial growth and can lead to diarrhea. Using hot water may damage the feeding bag. Washing out the feeding bag with soap and water every 24 hours is excessive and may leave residue that could be harmful. Changing the feeding bag every 24 hours is important for preventing infections but does not directly address the issue of diarrhea in this case.
A nurse on a surgical unit is receiving a client who had abdominal surgery from the postanesthesia care unit. Which of the following assessments should the nurse make first?
- A. Airway
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Surgical site
- D. Level of consciousness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the airway first. Ensuring a clear and patent airway is crucial to maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation post-surgery. Assessing the airway takes precedence over other assessments as a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and respiratory distress. Checking blood pressure, the surgical site, or level of consciousness are important but are secondary to ensuring the airway is clear and the client can breathe effectively.
The nurse is providing oral care to a patient. In which order will the nurse clean the oral cavity, starting with the first area?
- A. Roof of mouth, gums, and inside cheeks
- B. Chewing and inner tooth surfaces
- C. Outer tooth surfaces
- D. Tongue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct sequence for oral care is to clean the outer tooth surfaces first, followed by cleaning the inner tooth surfaces, then the roof of the mouth, gums, and inside cheeks with a toothette. Brushing the tongue should be the final step in the oral care procedure. Therefore, option C is the correct choice. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct order for providing oral care to a patient.
What intervention is most important for the LPN/LVN to implement for a male client experiencing urinary retention?
- A. Apply a condom catheter.
- B. Apply a skin protectant.
- C. Encourage increased fluid intake.
- D. Assess for bladder distention.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important intervention for the LPN/LVN to implement for a male client experiencing urinary retention is to assess for bladder distention. This assessment is crucial as it helps identify the underlying cause of urinary retention, such as bladder distention or obstruction. By assessing the bladder, the LPN/LVN can determine the appropriate interventions needed, such as catheterization, medication administration, or further evaluation by the healthcare provider. Applying a condom catheter (Choice A) is more suitable for urinary incontinence, not retention. Applying a skin protectant (Choice B) is typically done to prevent skin breakdown in incontinent clients. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice C) may be beneficial for some urinary issues but is not the priority intervention for urinary retention.
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will take my pulse before taking the medication.
- B. I will take the medication at the same time every day.
- C. I should avoid taking antacids at the same time as this medication.
- D. I should eat foods high in potassium while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking digoxin should avoid eating foods high in potassium, as this can affect the medication's efficacy. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements regarding digoxin administration and precautions, indicating the client's understanding of the medication and its management.