Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has signs of hemorrhagic shock. When the nurse notifies the surgeon, he directs her to continue measuring the client's vital signs every 15 minutes and call him back in 1 hour. From a legal perspective, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Document the provider's directive in the medical record
- B. Notify the nursing manager
- C. Consult the facility's risk manager
- D. Complete an incident report
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is facing a critical situation with a client showing signs of hemorrhagic shock. The surgeon's directive of waiting for an hour without providing immediate intervention poses a risk to the client's well-being. The nurse should prioritize the client's safety and advocate for timely and appropriate care. Notifying the nursing manager is the correct action as it activates the chain of command to ensure that the client receives the necessary care promptly. Documenting the provider's directive, consulting the risk manager, or completing an incident report are not the immediate actions needed to address the client's deteriorating condition and ensure patient safety.
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The healthcare provider is providing postoperative care to a client who had a submucosal resection (SMR) for a deviated septum. The healthcare provider should monitor for what complication associated with this type of surgery?
- A. Occipital headache
- B. Periorbital crepitus
- C. Expectoration of blood
- D. Changes in vocalization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Expectoration of blood is a potential complication following SMR surgery, as it may indicate bleeding postoperatively. In contrast, occipital headache (choice A) is not a common complication associated with SMR surgery. Periorbital crepitus (choice B) is more related to facial fractures or certain infections rather than SMR surgery. Changes in vocalization (choice D) are not typically associated with complications following SMR surgery.
A nurse enters a client's room and finds her on the floor. The client's roommate reports that the client was trying to get out of bed and fell over the bedrail onto the floor. Which of the following statements should the nurse document about this incident?
- A. ''Incident report completed.''
- B. ''Client climbed over the bedrails.''
- C. ''Client found lying on the floor.''
- D. ''Client was trying to get out of bed.''
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: ''Client found lying on the floor.'' In this situation, the nurse should document factual, objective information without making assumptions. Stating that the client was found lying on the floor directly reflects what was observed. Choice A, ''Incident report completed,'' is not a statement about the incident itself and does not provide relevant information. Choice B, ''Client climbed over the bedrails,'' introduces unnecessary speculation and assumption which should be avoided when documenting incidents. Choice D, ''Client was trying to get out of bed,'' focuses on the client's behavior rather than the objective observation of the client's position when found.
When assessing a client with wrist restraints, the nurse observes that the fingers on the right hand are blue. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
- B. Apply a pulse oximeter to the right hand.
- C. Compare hand color bilaterally.
- D. Palpate the right radial pulse.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action to take first when observing blue fingers in a client with wrist restraints is to loosen the right wrist restraint. Blue fingers indicate compromised circulation, and loosening the restraint can help restore blood flow to the area. Applying a pulse oximeter (Choice B) or palpating the right radial pulse (Choice D) may be necessary following the loosening of the restraint to assess the client's oxygen saturation and pulse. Comparing hand color bilaterally (Choice C) is important but not the immediate action needed when a circulation issue is noted in one hand.
When admitting a client to an acute care facility, an identification bracelet is sent up with the admission form. In the event these do not match, the nurse's best action is to
- A. Change whichever item is incorrect to the correct information
- B. Use the bracelet and admission form until a replacement is supplied
- C. Notify the admissions office and wait to apply the bracelet
- D. Make a corrected identification bracelet for the client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should notify the admissions office and wait to apply the bracelet. By doing so, the nurse ensures patient safety and accuracy in identification. Changing the incorrect item (Choice A) could lead to errors and confusion in the patient's identification. Using the mismatched items until a replacement is supplied (Choice B) compromises patient safety and could result in errors during care delivery. Making a corrected identification bracelet without verifying the correct information (Choice D) could introduce further inaccuracies and risks in patient identification.
When is a depressed client at highest risk for attempting suicide?
- A. Immediately after admission, during one-to-one observation
- B. 7 to 14 days after initiation of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy
- C. Following an angry outburst with family
- D. When the client is removed from the security room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Depressed clients are at the highest risk of attempting suicide 7 to 14 days after starting antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. During this time, they may start to regain energy but still feel hopeless, which can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because immediate post-admission, after an angry outburst with family, or when removed from a security room are not specific periods known to be associated with the highest risk of suicide in depressed clients.