A Native American individual presents to the clinic with complaints of frequent abdominal cramping and nausea. They state that they have chronic constipation and have not had a bowel movement in five days, despite trying several home remedies. Which intervention is most important for the healthcare provider to implement?
- A. Evaluate the stool samples for the presence of blood
- B. Assess for the presence of an impaction
- C. Determine which home remedies were used
- D. Obtain a list of prescribed medications
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is crucial to determine which home remedies the individual has tried to avoid interactions with prescribed treatments and consider cultural practices that may influence their healthcare choices. Understanding the home remedies used can provide insights into the individual's health beliefs, preferences, and potential interactions with conventional treatments, allowing for a more holistic approach to their care.
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Twenty minutes after beginning a heat application, the client states that the heating pad no longer feels warm enough. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. That means you have derived the maximum benefit, and the heat can be removed.
- B. Your blood vessels are becoming dilated and removing the heat from the site.
- C. We will increase the temperature by 5 degrees when the pad no longer feels warm.
- D. The body's receptors adapt over time as they are exposed to heat.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice (D) describes thermal adaptation, which occurs 20 to 30 minutes after heat application. The body's receptors adjust to the constant heat exposure, leading to a decreased sensation of warmth. Choices (A) and (B) provide inaccurate information regarding the situation, while choice (C) is not physiologically sound and could potentially harm the client by increasing the temperature unnecessarily.
Ten minutes after signing an operative permit for a fractured hip, an older client states, 'The aliens will be coming to get me soon!' and falls asleep. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Make the client comfortable and allow the client to sleep.
- B. Assess the client's neurologic status.
- C. Notify the surgeon about the comment.
- D. Ask the client's family to co-sign the operative permit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should assess the client's neurologic status next. The client's statement about aliens and subsequent falling asleep could be indicative of a potential neurological issue such as confusion or altered mental status. It is essential to assess the client's neurological status to determine the underlying cause of the client's statement and behavior. This assessment will help the nurse identify any potential cognitive impairment or neurological deficits that may need immediate attention, ensuring the client's safety and well-being. Notifying the surgeon or involving the client's family can be considered later, but the priority is to assess the client's neurologic status to address any immediate concerns.
When measuring vital signs, the healthcare provider observes that a client is using accessory neck muscles during respirations. What follow-up action should the healthcare provider take first?
- A. Determine pulse pressure
- B. Auscultate heart sounds
- C. Measure oxygen saturation
- D. Check for neck vein distention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Observing a client using accessory neck muscles during respiration indicates respiratory distress. The priority action should be to measure oxygen saturation to assess the adequacy of oxygenation. This intervention provides crucial information about the client's respiratory status and helps guide further assessment and interventions.
A client with stage 4 lung cancer receiving in-home hospice care expresses concerns about pain while the nurse is arranging for discharge. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Explain the potential respiratory issues associated with morphine use.
- B. Educate the family on assessing the effectiveness of analgesics.
- C. Suggest requesting a patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) pump from the healthcare provider.
- D. Provide the client with a schedule for around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In managing pain for a client with stage 4 lung cancer in hospice care, providing a schedule for around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use is essential. This approach ensures continuous pain control and helps prevent breakthrough pain. By having a consistent dosing schedule, the client can maintain a more stable level of pain relief, enhancing their comfort and quality of life during this critical time.
The charge nurse observes that a demographic screen has been left open on a hallway computer by a nurse who is responding to a call light while the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is involved in a personal phone call. Which action should the charge nurse take first?
- A. Page the unit manager to address the situation.
- B. Close the demographic screen on the computer.
- C. Instruct the UAP to end the phone call immediately.
- D. Send a UAP into the client's room to relieve the nurse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The charge nurse's first action should be to close the demographic screen on the computer to protect patient confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This immediate response addresses the breach of patient privacy and ensures that patient data is secure, setting the right priority in managing the situation.