A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?
- A. Level of consciousness
- B. Surgical site
- C. Pain level
- D. Respiratory status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory status. In the PACU, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation is crucial for the client's immediate postoperative recovery. Monitoring respiratory status helps prevent complications like hypoxia or respiratory distress. Assessing the airway, breathing rate, depth, and oxygen saturation takes precedence over other assessments. Level of consciousness (A) is important but can be affected by respiratory issues. Surgical site (B) assessment is important but not an immediate priority. Pain level (C) is important but can be managed once respiratory status is stable. Summary: Respiratory status is the priority as it directly impacts the client's immediate well-being and recovery.
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A nurse is teaching a client who has left-sided weakness how to use a quad cane. Which of the following client actions indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. The client moves the cane 2 feet ahea
- B. The client advances the weaker leg forward to the cane.
- C. The client takes a step with their right foot first.
- D. The client holds the cane with their left han
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Advancing the weaker leg forward to the cane provides stability and support, helping distribute weight evenly and preventing falls. This step is crucial in using a quad cane effectively. Moving the cane too far ahead (A) could cause imbalance. Taking a step with the stronger leg first (C) would not provide the needed support for the weaker side. Holding the cane with the same side as the weakness (D) may not provide the necessary support. It is essential to prioritize stability and weight distribution, making option B the correct choice.
A PACU nurse is monitoring the drainage from a client's NG tube following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings in the first postoperative hour should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. 100 mL of red drainage
- B. 75 mL of greenish-yellow drainage
- C. 200 mL of brown drainage
- D. 150 mL of serosanguineous drainage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 100 mL of red drainage. Red drainage from an NG tube may indicate active bleeding, which is a concerning finding post-abdominal surgery. This could suggest a potential internal bleeding or vascular injury. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention.
The other choices are incorrect because:
B: 75 mL of greenish-yellow drainage - This could be indicative of bile drainage, which is expected after abdominal surgery.
C: 200 mL of brown drainage - Brown drainage is likely due to old blood or bile, which can be normal in the immediate postoperative period.
D: 150 mL of serosanguineous drainage - Serosanguineous drainage is a mixture of blood and clear fluid, which can be expected after surgery.
Therefore, the correct answer is A due to the potential seriousness of active bleeding indicated by red drainage.
A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of AIDS. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables I consume.'
- B. I will need to take my clothes to the dry cleaners to sterilize them.'
- C. I will be sure to wear gloves and wash my hands when I change my cat's litter box.'
- D. I will wipe up areas soiled with body fluids with alcohol and immediately dispose of the trash.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
1. Using alcohol to wipe up areas soiled with body fluids helps to disinfect the surfaces, reducing the risk of infection spread.
2. Immediately disposing of the trash containing body fluids prevents further exposure to infectious materials.
3. This statement demonstrates understanding of infection control measures crucial for someone with AIDS.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Increasing fresh fruits and vegetables is a healthy choice but not directly related to preventing infection spread in the context of AIDS.
B: Taking clothes to the dry cleaners for sterilization is unnecessary and does not address infection control.
C: Wearing gloves and washing hands when changing a cat's litter box is a good hygiene practice but not specific to preventing transmission of HIV.
A nurse is caring for a client who has acute angina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Measure blood pressure.
- B. Administer aspirin.
- C. Administer nitroglycerin.
- D. Initiate IV access.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer aspirin. Administering aspirin is the priority action for a client with acute angina as it helps in reducing platelet aggregation and improving blood flow to the heart. This action can potentially prevent further clot formation and decrease the risk of a heart attack. It is essential to address the acute symptoms first before proceeding with other interventions. Measuring blood pressure (A), administering nitroglycerin (C), and initiating IV access (D) are important actions but administering aspirin takes precedence in this scenario to address the acute angina symptoms promptly.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Lower the client to the floor.
- B. Obtain the client's vital signs.
- C. Loosen the client's restrictive clothing.
- D. Clear items from the client's surrounding are
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action to take first when caring for a client experiencing a seizure is to clear items from the client's surrounding area (Choice D). This is important to prevent injury to the client during the seizure. By removing objects that could cause harm, such as sharp or hard items, the nurse ensures a safe environment for the client. Lowering the client to the floor (Choice A) is important but should be done after clearing the surroundings to prevent injury. Obtaining vital signs (Choice B) and loosening restrictive clothing (Choice C) can be done after ensuring the safety of the environment. Thus, the priority is to clear items from the client's surrounding area to prevent harm during the seizure.