A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
- B. Notify the provider
- C. Assess for signs of infection
- D. Administer prescribed antibiotics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain and tenderness at the catheter site may indicate infection, and the healthcare provider needs to be informed for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline (Choice A) should not be the initial action without consulting the provider first. While assessing for signs of infection (Choice C) is important, notifying the provider takes precedence. Administering prescribed antibiotics (Choice D) should only be done based on the provider's orders after assessment and confirmation of infection.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. What should the nurse do with the unused portion after administration?
- A. Store it in the medication cart for later use
- B. Discard it with a witness present
- C. Return it to the pharmacy
- D. Report it to the provider
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take with the unused portion of a narcotic medication after administration is to discard it with a witness present. This procedure is necessary to comply with controlled substance regulations and prevent diversion or misuse of the medication. Storing it in the medication cart for later use is inappropriate as it can lead to unauthorized access. Returning it to the pharmacy is not recommended as the medication has already been dispensed. Reporting it to the provider is not the standard procedure for disposing of controlled substances.
A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Measure the residual gastric volume
- B. Verify tube placement
- C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
- D. Administer the feeding in small boluses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What finding should the professional expect?
- A. Decreased hematocrit
- B. Increased hematocrit
- C. Decreased white blood cell count
- D. Increased red blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased hematocrit.' In fluid volume deficit (FVD), there is a decrease in the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, leading to hemoconcentration. This results in an increase in hematocrit levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a decrease in hematocrit, decrease in white blood cell count, and an increase in red blood cell count are not typically seen in fluid volume deficit.
A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care. What instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Apply lotion between the toes after bathing
- B. Wear shoes at all times
- C. Cut toenails in a rounded shape
- D. Inspect the feet weekly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to wear shoes at all times. This instruction is vital for clients with diabetes mellitus as it helps protect the feet and reduces the risk of injury. Option A is incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can increase moisture and the risk of fungal infections. Option C is incorrect as cutting toenails in a rounded shape may lead to ingrown toenails. Option D is also incorrect as inspecting the feet weekly is not sufficient for proper foot care in clients with diabetes mellitus.
A client signed an informed consent form for surgery but has expressed doubts about the need for surgery. What should the nurse say?
- A. Reassure the client of the surgeon's skill
- B. The surgeon will answer your questions before surgery
- C. Tell the client surgery is necessary
- D. Encourage the client to seek a second opinion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the surgeon should address the client's doubts before surgery. Informed consent requires that the client fully understands the procedure. Choice A is incorrect because reassuring the client of the surgeon's skill does not address the client's doubts about the need for surgery. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client surgery is necessary may not address their concerns and could violate the principle of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect as the immediate concern is addressing the client's doubts before surgery, not necessarily seeking a second opinion.