A healthcare professional is preparing to inject heparin subcutaneously for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Use a 25-gauge needle.
- B. Select a site on the client's abdomen.
- C. Use the Z-track technique to displace the skin on the injection site.
- D. Observe for bleb formation to confirm proper placement.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For subcutaneous injections like heparin, a 25-27 gauge needle is recommended, making choice A incorrect. The abdomen is a commonly used site for heparin injection due to its consistent absorption and convenience, making choice B the correct answer. The Z-track technique is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, making choice C unnecessary. Observing for bleb formation is not a standard practice for confirming proper placement of subcutaneous heparin, making choice D incorrect. Therefore, the correct action is to select a site on the client's abdomen for the injection.
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A healthcare professional is assessing a patient's skin. Which patient is most at risk for impaired skin integrity?
- A. A patient who is afebrile
- B. A patient who is diaphoretic
- C. A patient with strong pedal pulses
- D. A patient with adequate skin turgor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive moisture on the skin, as seen in a diaphoretic patient, can lead to impaired skin integrity. Diaphoresis softens epidermal cells, promotes bacterial growth, and can cause skin maceration. Afebrile status, strong pedal pulses, and adequate skin turgor are not directly associated with an increased risk of impaired skin integrity. Afebrile indicates the absence of fever, not a risk to skin integrity. Strong pedal pulses suggest good circulation, which is beneficial for skin health. Adequate skin turgor is a sign of good hydration and skin elasticity, indicating a lower risk of impaired skin integrity.
The nurse is providing care for a client with a wound infection. Which type of precautions should the nurse implement?
- A. Airborne precautions
- B. Droplet precautions
- C. Contact precautions
- D. Standard precautions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contact precautions are necessary when caring for a client with a wound infection to prevent the spread of infection. Contact precautions involve practices such as wearing gloves and gowns, and ensuring proper hand hygiene. Airborne precautions are for diseases transmitted by small droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air, like tuberculosis. Droplet precautions are for diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets larger than 5 microns, such as influenza. Standard precautions are used for all clients to prevent the spread of infection and include practices like hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and safe injection practices. In this case, since the client has a wound infection, the nurse should focus on implementing contact precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to themselves or others.
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.
To use proper body mechanics while making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should:
- A. Place the bed in a high horizontal position
- B. Use a low bed position
- C. Bend at the waist
- D. Keep the bed flat and at a comfortable working height
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should place the bed in a high horizontal position to promote better body mechanics. This positioning helps reduce strain on the nurse's back and promotes proper alignment while working. Using a low bed position can lead to awkward bending and increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Bending at the waist is discouraged as it can strain the back. Keeping the bed flat and at a comfortable working height may not provide the optimal ergonomic setup needed to prevent injury.
A client is being discharged home with oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client and family?
- A. Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity.
- B. Avoid using any electrical appliances.
- C. Keep the oxygen tank away from heat sources.
- D. Use only a specific type of nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity. When using oxygen therapy, static electricity can pose a hazard as it increases the risk of fire. Cotton clothing helps reduce static electricity buildup. Choice B, avoiding electrical appliances, is overly restrictive and not entirely necessary. Choice C, keeping the oxygen tank away from heat sources, is important to prevent fire hazards but is not directly related to the nasal cannula. Choice D, using only a specific type of nasal cannula, is not a universal guideline and limits flexibility in care.