HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone related questions and content

A client who recently had a hip replacement has a strong odor from the urine and bloody drainage on the surgical dressing. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Obtain a urine sample from the bedpan.
  • B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
  • C. Measure the client's oral temperature.
  • D. Remove dressing and assess surgical site.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the client's oral temperature. In this scenario, the strong odor from urine and bloody drainage on the surgical dressing are concerning signs that suggest a possible infection. Fever is a common sign of infection, so measuring the client's temperature will help confirm if an infection is present. Obtaining a urine sample, inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, or removing the dressing and assessing the surgical site are not the first priority actions when infection is suspected. These actions may be necessary later but assessing the client's temperature is the initial step to evaluate for infection.