A nurse is assessing a client who is 5 days postop following abdominal surgery. The surgeon suspects an incisional wound infection and has prescribed antibiotic therapy for the nurse to initiate after collecting wound & blood specimens for culture & sensitivity. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect? Select all.
- A. Increase in incisional pain
- B. Fever & chills
- C. Reddened wound edges
- D. Increase in serosanguineous drainage
- E. Decrease in thirst
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: The correct assessment findings the nurse should expect in a client suspected of having an incisional wound infection include: A) Increase in incisional pain: Infection can cause localized pain. B) Fever & chills: Systemic signs of infection. C) Reddened wound edges: Classic sign of wound infection. Incorrect choices: D) Increase in serosanguineous drainage: This is more indicative of normal wound healing. E) Decrease in thirst: Unrelated to wound infection. Overall, pain, fever, and redness are key signs of infection that the nurse should look out for.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has had diarrhea for the past 4 days. When assessing the client, the nurse should expect which of the following findings? Select all.
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Fever
- D. Poor skin turgor
- E. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: B, C, D
Rationale: The correct answers are B, C, and D. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, causing hypotension (B) due to decreased blood volume, fever (C) as a result of dehydration and infection, and poor skin turgor (D) due to decreased tissue hydration. Bradycardia (A) is unlikely as the body compensates for dehydration with increased heart rate. Peripheral edema (E) is not expected as dehydration leads to fluid depletion, not retention.
An RN is making assignments for client care to an LPN at the beginning of the shift. Which of the following assignments should the LPN question?
- A. Assisting a client who is 24hr postop to use an incentive spirometer
- B. Collecting a clean-catch urine specimen from a client who was admitted on the previous shift
- C. Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client who has pneumonia
- D. Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The LPN should question assignment D (replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump) because this task involves medication administration and intravenous therapy, which are typically outside the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are not trained to handle complex medication delivery systems like PCA pumps, as this requires specialized knowledge and skills that are within the RN's scope of practice. It is crucial for patient safety that tasks are assigned to healthcare providers based on their education, training, and scope of practice to prevent errors and ensure quality care. Assignments A, B, and C are within the LPN's scope of practice and can be safely performed without questioning.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to help maintain the integrity of the client's skin? Select all.
- A. Keep the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
- B. Massage the client's bony prominences often
- C. Apply cornstarch liberally to the skin after bathing
- D. Have the client sit on a gel cushion when in a chair
- E. Reposition the client at least Q 3 hr while in bed
Correct Answer: A, D
Rationale: The correct interventions (A and D) are crucial for preventing pressure ulcers in older adults. Elevating the head of the bed at 30 degrees helps reduce pressure on the sacrum and heels, key areas prone to pressure ulcers. Sitting on a gel cushion distributes pressure evenly, reducing the risk of skin breakdown.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Massaging bony prominences can increase friction and shear forces, leading to skin breakdown.
C: Cornstarch can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of maceration and skin breakdown.
E: Repositioning every 3 hours is insufficient for preventing pressure ulcers, as more frequent repositioning is needed to reduce prolonged pressure on the skin.
A nurse is teaching a client how to administer medication through a jejunostomy tube. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Flush the tube before & after each med.
- B. Administer your meds w/your enteral feeding.
- C. Administer tablets through the tube slowly.
- D. Mix all the crushed meds prior to dissolving in water.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct because flushing the jejunostomy tube before and after each medication helps prevent clogging and ensures proper delivery. Flushing clears the tube and ensures medication is fully administered. Choice B is incorrect as medications should not be administered with enteral feedings to prevent interactions. Choice C is incorrect as tablets should be crushed before administration. Choice D is incorrect as crushed medications should be dissolved one at a time to avoid interactions.
A nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client in the ER who has an oral body temperature of 38.3°C (101°F), a pulse rate of 114/min, & a respiratory rate of 22/min. He is restless & his skin is warm. Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions for this client? Select all.
- A. Obtain culture specimens before initiating antimicrobials
- B. Restrict the client's oral fluid intake
- C. Encourage the client to limit activity & rest
- D. Allow the client to shiver to dispel excess heat
- E. Assist the client with oral hygiene frequently
Correct Answer: A, C, E
Rationale: Correct Answer: A, C, E
Rationale:
A: Obtaining culture specimens before initiating antimicrobials is crucial to identify the specific pathogen causing the infection and guide appropriate treatment.
C: Encouraging the client to limit activity & rest helps conserve energy and promote recovery in the presence of infection.
E: Assisting the client with oral hygiene frequently helps prevent further infection and maintain oral health, which is important in the elderly population.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Restricting the client's oral fluid intake is not appropriate as hydration is essential, especially in the presence of fever and infection.
D: Allowing the client to shiver to dispel excess heat is not recommended as it can lead to increased metabolic demand and discomfort for the client.