A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease arrives in the emergency department complaining of weakness and states that he vomited 'a lot of dark coffee-looking stomach contents.' The client is cool and moist to the touch. BP 90/50, HR 110, RR 20, T 98. Of the following physician orders, which will the nurse perform first?
- A. Initiate oxygen at 2 liters/nasal cannula.
- B. Start an IV of NS at 150 ml/hr
- C. Insert NG tube to low suction
- D. Attach the client to the ECG monitor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate oxygen at 2 liters/nasal cannula. The client is presenting signs of shock with hypotension, tachycardia, and cool, moist skin, which indicate poor tissue perfusion. Oxygen should be administered first to improve tissue oxygenation. While all interventions are important, oxygenation takes priority in the ABCs of emergency care. Starting an IV of NS, inserting an NG tube, and attaching the client to the ECG monitor are necessary interventions but should follow the priority of oxygen administration in this scenario.
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The nurse is preparing for a dressing change on a full thickness burn to the flank area. The orders include irrigating the wound with each dressing change. To irrigate the wound, what will the nurse use?
- A. Sterile saline
- B. Distilled water
- C. Betadine scrub
- D. Tap water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When irrigating a wound, especially in the case of a full-thickness burn, it is crucial to use a solution that is gentle and non-irritating to the tissues. Sterile saline is the preferred choice for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and does not cause additional damage to the already compromised tissue. Distilled water lacks the electrolytes present in saline, Betadine scrub is not used for irrigation due to its potential to be cytotoxic, and tap water may introduce contaminants and microorganisms to the wound.
The charge nurse is observing a student nurse caring for a 4-month-old infant in isolation diagnosed with RSV. Which of the following would indicate to the charge nurse that the student nurse needs further instruction on isolation standards?
- A. Donning clean gloves each time she goes in the room.
- B. Wearing a clean mask each time she goes in the room.
- C. Labeling the door so staff will use Airborne Precautions.
- D. Wearing a gown when she goes in the room to administer medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Donning clean gloves each time she goes in the room.' Sterile gloves are not necessary for standard isolation precautions; clean gloves are sufficient. The student nurse should be instructed to use clean gloves to reduce the risk of spreading infections. Wearing a clean mask each time she goes in the room is a good practice to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like RSV. Labeling the door for Airborne Precautions is appropriate for RSV. Wearing a gown when entering the room to administer medication helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents.
The nurse manager is having a problem on the unit with one staff person having repetitive tardiness and leaving the unit with orders not initiated. Which action by the manager would be best?
- A. Call the staff nurse in and place them on a work improvement plan after a 3-day suspension
- B. Have the other staff gather additional information on the tardy staff member
- C. Call the staff nurse in for an interview to investigate the problem and possible solutions
- D. Assign a mentor to assist the staff member in arriving on time
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse manager would be to call the staff nurse in for an interview to discuss the issues of repetitive tardiness and incomplete tasks. This approach allows the staff member to explain the situation, and together with the manager, develop a plan to address the problems. Choice A is incorrect as it immediately involves suspension without investigation or support. Choice B is not the best course of action as it does not involve direct communication with the staff member in question. Choice D, assigning a mentor to help the staff member, could be beneficial but does not directly address the immediate issues of tardiness and incomplete tasks.
What is the best position for a client immediately following a bilateral salpingooophorectomy?
- A. Fowler's
- B. Modified Sims
- C. Side lying
- D. Flat supine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best position for a client immediately following a bilateral salpingooophorectomy is side lying. This position promotes comfort with the knees flexed and ensures proper airway management. Fowler's position (Choice A) would not be ideal as it involves sitting at a 90-degree angle, potentially causing discomfort after this procedure. Modified Sims position (Choice B) is typically used for rectal examinations, not for post-surgical management. Flat supine (Choice D) may not be the best choice immediately after surgery as it does not provide the same level of comfort and airway protection as side lying with knees flexed.
The newborn nursery is filled to capacity. Which newborn should the nurse assess first?
- A. A three-hour-old just waking up after a period of sleep
- B. A two-day-old crying loudly
- C. A three-day-old two hours after circumcision
- D. A one-hour-old sucking his fist
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most critical time for assessment in a newborn is during the second period of reactivity, which occurs approximately 3-5 hours after delivery. During this phase, newborns are more likely to gag on mucus and aspirate, making it crucial for the nurse to assess their respiratory status first. Choice A indicates a newborn in this critical phase, requiring immediate assessment for potential airway compromise or respiratory distress. Choices B, C, and D do not present an immediate need for assessment related to airway compromise or respiratory distress.