A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with swelling and pain in the left leg. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Apply warm compresses to the affected leg.
- B. Elevate the left leg above the level of the heart.
- C. Measure the circumference of the left leg.
- D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Measuring the circumference of the left leg is the most appropriate action for an LPN/LVN when assessing a client with a history of DVT and presenting with swelling and pain in the left leg. This measurement helps to assess the extent of swelling objectively and monitor changes in the client's condition. Applying warm compresses (Choice A) may worsen the condition by potentially promoting clot development. Elevating the left leg above the level of the heart (Choice B) is generally recommended for DVT to improve venous return, but measuring the circumference is more appropriate in this scenario. Administering pain medication (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue and should not be the initial action taken.
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When providing mouth care for an unconscious client, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Turn the client's head to the side.
- B. Place two fingers in the client's mouth to open it.
- C. Brush the client's teeth once per day.
- D. Inject mouth rinse into the center of the client's mouth.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When providing mouth care for an unconscious client, the nurse should turn the client's head to the side. This action helps prevent aspiration by allowing any fluids to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Placing fingers into the client's mouth can be dangerous and may cause injury. Brushing the client's teeth only once a day may not be sufficient for proper oral hygiene care. Injecting mouth rinse into the center of the mouth is not recommended and can potentially lead to aspiration. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse to take is to turn the client's head to the side.
During an admission assessment of an older adult client, a nurse should identify which of the following findings as a potential indication of abuse?
- A. Bruises on the arms in various stages of healing
- B. Recent weight gain
- C. Complaints of joint pain
- D. Frequent visits to different providers
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bruises on the arms in various stages of healing should be identified as a potential indication of abuse in an older adult. These bruises may suggest physical harm or neglect, which are concerning signs of abuse. Recent weight gain (Choice B) is not typically associated with abuse and can have various causes, such as dietary changes or health conditions. Complaints of joint pain (Choice C) are more likely related to musculoskeletal issues rather than abuse. Frequent visits to different providers (Choice D) could indicate seeking multiple opinions or healthcare needs and do not necessarily point to abuse.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit has received change-of-shift report and will care for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)?
- A. Updating the plan of care for a client who is postoperative
- B. Reinforcing teaching with a client who is learning to walk using a quad cane
- C. Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence
- D. Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure injury
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - 'Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence.' This task falls within the scope of duties for an assistive personnel (AP). Updating care plans (Choice A), reinforcing teaching (Choice B), and applying sterile dressings (Choice D) typically require a higher level of training and expertise, making them tasks that should not be assigned to an AP. Assigning appropriate tasks based on skill levels ensures safe and effective patient care.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for knee-length anti-embolic stockings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Remove the client's stockings at least once during each shift
- B. Roll the top of the client's stockings down to just below the knee
- C. Seat the client in a chair for 30 minutes prior to applying stockings
- D. Measure the length of the client's leg from the heel to the gluteal fold
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to remove the client's stockings at least once during each shift. This is important to inspect the skin and prevent complications such as pressure injuries or impaired circulation. Rolling the top of the stockings down can compromise their effectiveness in preventing blood clots. Seating the client in a chair prior to applying stockings is not directly related to the care of anti-embolic stockings. Measuring the length of the client's leg from the heel to the gluteal fold is not necessary for the application or care of knee-length anti-embolic stockings.
In planning care for a client with a surgical wound healing by secondary intention, the nurse can anticipate that the client will:
- A. Be at an increased susceptibility for infection
- B. Have a wound that heals more slowly
- C. Experience more pain during the healing process
- D. Require more frequent dressing changes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Wounds healing by secondary intention involve the gradual filling of the wound with granulation tissue, leading to a higher risk of infection due to prolonged exposure. This makes choice A the correct answer. Choices B and C are incorrect because wounds healing by secondary intention take longer to heal and often result in more pain compared to wounds healing by primary intention. Choice D is also incorrect as wounds healing by secondary intention usually require more frequent dressing changes to prevent infection and promote healing.
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