Nokea
A client who is postoperative and has paralytic ileus is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following abdominal assessments should the nurse expect?
- A. Absent bowel sounds with distention
- B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- C. Normal bowel sounds
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a client with paralytic ileus, absent bowel sounds with distention are expected due to decreased or absent bowel motility. This is a key characteristic of paralytic ileus, where the bowel is unable to contract and move contents along the digestive tract. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice B) are more indicative of increased peristalsis, which is not typically seen in paralytic ileus. Normal bowel sounds (choice C) may not be present in a client with paralytic ileus. High-pitched bowel sounds (choice D) are not typically associated with paralytic ileus. Therefore, the correct assessment finding in this scenario is absent bowel sounds with distention.
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A nurse on a med-surg unit is providing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?
- A. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions
- B. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to follow instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him'
- C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks that the provider not disclose the diagnosis to the client
- D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not cover his medications
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is an ethical dilemma when the family of a client with a terminal illness asks healthcare providers not to inform the client of their diagnosis. This situation poses a conflict between respecting the client's right to know the truth about their condition (autonomy and truth-telling principles) and honoring the family's wishes. Choices A, B, and D do not present ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves professional accountability and responsibility, Choice B involves a client's personal preference, and Choice D involves financial challenges.
The nurse in the emergency department observes a colleague viewing the electronic health record (EHR) of a client who holds an elected position in the community. The client is not a part of the colleague's assignment. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Communicate the colleague's actions to the unit charge nurse
- B. Send an email to facility administration reporting the action
- C. Write an anonymous complaint to a professional website
- D. Post a comment about the action on a staff discussion board
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Communicating the colleague's actions to the unit charge nurse is the most appropriate action to take in this scenario. Reporting to the charge nurse follows proper protocol and ensures privacy compliance. This option allows for addressing the issue internally within the healthcare setting, maintaining confidentiality, and following the chain of command. Sending an email to facility administration (Choice B) might be premature without internal investigation and could potentially bypass the immediate supervisor who is responsible for addressing such issues. Writing an anonymous complaint to a professional website (Choice C) and posting a comment about the action on a staff discussion board (Choice D) are not professional or effective ways to address the situation, as they do not ensure proper handling of the breach of privacy within the organization.
The healthcare provider is assessing an immobile patient for deep vein thromboses (DVTs). Which action will the healthcare provider take?
- A. Remove elastic stockings every 4 hours.
- B. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
- C. Lightly rub the lower leg for redness and tenderness.
- D. Dorsiflex the foot while assessing for patient discomfort.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action when assessing an immobile patient for deep vein thromboses (DVTs) is to measure the calf circumference of both legs. This helps in detecting swelling or changes that may indicate the presence of a DVT. Removing elastic stockings every 4 hours (Choice A) is not necessary and can disrupt circulation. Lightly rubbing the lower leg for redness and tenderness (Choice C) can potentially dislodge a clot if present. Dorsiflexing the foot while assessing for patient discomfort (Choice D) is not a specific assessment for DVT and may not provide relevant information in this context.
The charge nurse has a health care team that consists of 1 PN, 1 unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), and 1 PN nursing student. Which assignment should be questioned by the nurse manager?
- A. An admission at the change of shifts with atrial fibrillation and heart failure - PN
- B. Client who had a major stroke 6 days ago - PN nursing student
- C. A child with burns who has packed cells and albumin IV running - charge nurse
- D. An elderly client who had a myocardial infarction a week ago - UAP
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assigning an admission with atrial fibrillation and heart failure to a PN is not appropriate. This complex case requires more advanced skills and should not be managed by a PN without adequate support. The PN may not have the necessary training or expertise to handle such a critical situation effectively. Choice B is a suitable assignment for a PN nursing student as they can handle a client who had a major stroke 6 days ago. Choice C is also appropriate as a child with burns receiving packed cells and albumin IV running can be managed by the charge nurse. Choice D is within the scope of practice for a UAP since an elderly client post-myocardial infarction a week ago may require basic care and assistance.
A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. What is the most important action for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Monitor the client's blood glucose level.
- B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
- C. Administer insulin as prescribed.
- D. Assess the client's urine output.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important action for the LPN/LVN to take when a client with a history of diabetes mellitus experiences symptoms of hyperglycemia such as polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia is to monitor the client's blood glucose level. This action helps assess the severity of hyperglycemia and guides further interventions. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms by further diluting the blood glucose concentration. Administering insulin as prescribed (Choice C) should be done based on the healthcare provider's orders and after assessing the blood glucose levels. Assessing the client's urine output (Choice D) is important but not the most immediate action needed in this scenario.