A client with a spinal cord injury is preparing to return home from the rehabilitation unit. Which of the following statements by a family member indicates a need for further teaching regarding autonomic dysreflexia?
- A. "I should raise him to a sitting position."?
- B. "I should check for a fecal impaction."?
- C. "I should look for a kink in the urinary catheter tubing."?
- D. "I should observe whether symptoms worsen."?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If the client develops signs or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, they need to be addressed immediately. If the family member is not able to relieve them, a healthcare provider needs to be notified immediately. The statement 'I should observe whether symptoms worsen' indicates a passive approach and does not address the urgency of the situation. Choices A, B, and C are correct as they involve active measures to address autonomic dysreflexia, such as raising the client to a sitting position, checking for a fecal impaction, and looking for a kink in the urinary catheter tubing.
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A nurse is planning task assignments for the day. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?
- A. Suctioning a client who requires periodic suctioning
- B. Assessing a client who has undergone an arteriogram and requires close monitoring
- C. Performing colostomy irrigation on a client with an ostomy
- D. Assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When delegating tasks, a nurse must consider the staff member's education and competency level. Noninvasive tasks like helping a client ambulate with a walker are usually suitable for nursing assistants. Suctioning a client and colostomy irrigation are invasive procedures that require a licensed nurse's skills. Assessing a client post-arteriogram for any complications or changes in condition also necessitates the expertise of a licensed nurse. Therefore, the most appropriate task to assign to a nursing assistant is assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker.
A nurse who works in a medical care unit is told that she must float to the intensive care unit because of a short-staffing problem on that unit. The nurse reports to the unit and is assigned to three clients. The nurse is angry with the assignment because she believes that the assignment is more difficult than the assignment delegated to other nurses on the unit and because the intensive care unit nurses are each assigned only one client. The nurse should most appropriately take which action?
- A. Refuse to do the assignment
- B. Tell the nurse manager to call the nursing supervisor
- C. Return to the medical care unit and discuss the assignment with the nurse manager on that unit
- D. Ask the nurse manager of the intensive care unit to discuss the assignment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse feeling that the assignment is more difficult than what other nurses received should approach the nurse manager of the intensive care unit to discuss the assignment. By doing so, the nurse can seek clarification on the rationale for the assignment or confirm if it is genuinely more challenging. Refusing the assignment is not appropriate as it could impact patient care. Returning to the medical care unit would be considered client abandonment and does not directly address the conflict at hand. Instructing the nurse manager to involve the nursing supervisor is an aggressive approach that does not directly resolve the issue.
Which of the following microorganisms are considered normal body flora?
- A. staphylococcus on the skin
- B. streptococcus in the nares
- C. candida albicans in the vagina
- D. pseudomonas in the blood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Staphylococcus is considered normal body flora as it is commonly found on the skin, being a part of the normal microbiota. While streptococcus in the nares can be part of the normal flora of the upper respiratory tract, it is not as common or as widespread as staphylococcus on the skin. Candida albicans in the vagina is not considered normal flora; it is a common opportunistic pathogen in the vagina. Pseudomonas in the blood is also not considered normal body flora; pseudomonas is not typically found in the blood as part of the normal microbiota.
A nurse working the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift is reviewing the records of the assigned clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
- A. A client scheduled for hemodialysis at 10 a.m.
- B. A client scheduled for contrast computed tomography (CT) at noon.
- C. A client scheduled for a nuclear scanning procedure at 10 a.m.
- D. A client scheduled for hydrotherapy for the treatment of a burn injury at 10:30 a.m.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the client scheduled for hemodialysis at 10 a.m. This client needs immediate assessment before the procedure, which may take up to 5 hours. The nurse should ensure the client is physically and emotionally prepared, check for fluid overload by assessing weight and lung sounds, review vital signs, and laboratory test results. The other clients described in the options have needs that are not as urgent. The client scheduled for a nuclear scanning procedure at 10 a.m. may require information reinforcement and increased fluid intake before the procedure. The client scheduled for hydrotherapy for the treatment of a burn injury at 10:30 a.m. may need pain medication administered 30 minutes prior to the therapy. The client scheduled for a contrast CT at noon may need procedure information reinforcement and a special contrast preparation just before the procedure.
A nurse is preparing for the admission of a client with pulmonary tuberculosis. Which action reflects the use of evidence-based practice in the care of the client?
- A. Keeping the door to the client's room closed
- B. Fitting the client for an N95 or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) mask to be worn at all times
- C. Placing the client in a semiprivate room with a cohort client
- D. Using a surgical mask when entering the client's room
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Evidence-based practice is an approach to client care that integrates the client's preferences, clinical expertise, and the best research evidence to deliver quality care. In the case of pulmonary tuberculosis, which is transmitted through the airborne route, keeping the door to the client's room closed is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Placing the client in a semiprivate room with a cohort client is not recommended for airborne precautions; a private room is required to prevent transmission. Fitting the client for an N95 or HEPA mask is essential for the nurse's protection when entering the room, not for the client to wear at all times. Using a surgical mask when entering the client's room is not sufficient for airborne precautions; an N95 or HEPA mask is necessary.