A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative and has a history of pulmonary embolism. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
- A. Dyspnea
- B. Pain at the surgical site
- C. Mild nausea
- D. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dyspnea. Dyspnea in a postoperative client with a history of pulmonary embolism indicates a potential complication, such as a recurrent or new pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention to prevent worsening respiratory distress and potential respiratory failure. Pain at the surgical site (choice B) is expected postoperatively and can be managed with appropriate pain medications. Mild nausea (choice C) is a common postoperative symptom and can be managed with antiemetic medications. A temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) (choice D) may indicate a mild fever, which can be monitored unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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A charge nurse is concerned about a recent increase in facility-acquired catheter infections.
Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infection
- B. Reinforce proper hand hygiene practices among staff.
- C. Implement a protocol for timely removal of unnecessary catheters.
- D. Provide staff education on aseptic catheter insertion techniques.
- E. Conduct regular audits on catheter care compliance.
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is E: Conduct regular audits on catheter care compliance. Audits help monitor adherence to catheter care protocols, identify areas needing improvement, and ensure staff follow best practices consistently. This action promotes quality care, reduces infection risks, and enhances patient safety. Choices A, B, C, and D are important but do not directly address ongoing monitoring and assessment of compliance like regular audits do. Conducting audits is a proactive approach to continuously evaluate and improve catheter care practices, making it the most appropriate action in this scenario.
A nurse is caring for a client who has placenta previa.
Which finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Spotting
- B. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
- C. Soft, relaxed, and non-tender uterus
- D. Fundal height greater than expected for gestational age
- E. Fetal heart rate within normal limits unless significant blood loss occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. This finding is indicative of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. The bright red color indicates fresh bleeding. Spotting (choice A) is more commonly associated with implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. A soft, relaxed, and non-tender uterus (choice C) is not specific to any particular condition. A fundal height greater than expected for gestational age (choice D) could indicate fetal macrosomia or polyhydramnios, but it is not related to the scenario described. While fetal heart rate within normal limits (choice E) is important, it is not the most relevant finding in this case.
A nurse in a family health clinic is caring for a client who requests information regarding the correct use of condoms.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. When using implanted contraceptive methods, condoms should also be used to protect against STDs.
- B. Use of petroleum-based lubricant with a condom increases the condom's effectiveness
- C. Ensure that the condom fits snugly over the tip of the penis
- D. Condoms are equally effective for birth control with or without the use of vaginal spermicides
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. This statement is correct because implanted contraceptive methods, like hormonal implants, do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so using condoms is necessary for dual protection. Choice B is incorrect as petroleum-based lubricants can weaken condoms. Choice C is incorrect because a condom should fit comfortably, not snugly, to prevent breakage. Choice D is incorrect because condoms are more effective for birth control when used with spermicide.
A nurse is preparing a client for transfer to a long-term care rehabilitation facility following a below-the-knee amputation.
Which action should the nurse take to protect the client's confidentiality?
- A. Provide a verbal report of the client's condition to the paramedic performing the transfer
- B. Ensure that the client's medical records are securely transferred with the client to the new facility
- C. Give the client a copy of their medical records to take with them
- D. Share the client's condition only with the necessary healthcare providers at the rehabilitation facility
- E. Use a secure and private communication method to discuss the client's condition with the receiving facility
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: The correct answer is E: Use a secure and private communication method to discuss the client's condition with the receiving facility. This is the best action to protect the client's confidentiality because it ensures that sensitive information is shared in a confidential and secure manner, preventing unauthorized access. Verbal reports (choice A) can be overheard, risking confidentiality. While ensuring medical records are transferred securely (choice B) is important, discussing the client's condition directly with the necessary healthcare providers (choice D) is more immediate and can prevent unnecessary exposure of sensitive information. Giving the client a copy of their medical records (choice C) can compromise confidentiality if misplaced.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a total gastrectomy.
The nurse should instruct the client about which of the following medications?
- A. Ranitidine
- B. Vitamin B
- C. Metoclopramide
- D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin B. The nurse should instruct the client about Vitamin B because it plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such as energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency in Vitamin B can lead to various health issues. Ranitidine, Metoclopramide, and Vitamin K are specific medications that are not typically instructed by nurses unless prescribed by a healthcare provider for specific conditions. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, but its education is usually provided by healthcare providers for specific cases.
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