A nurse is performing a pain assessment for a client who is alert. The nurse should recognize that which of the following measures is the most reliable indicator of pain?
- A. Self-report of pain
- B. Nonverbal behavior
- C. Severity of the condition
- D. Vital signs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Self-report of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the most reliable way to assess it is through the client's self-report. While nonverbal behaviors and vital signs can provide additional information, they are not as reliable as the client's own report of pain. The severity of the condition may influence the experience of pain but is not a direct indicator of the client's pain level.
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A nurse in an emergency department is preparing a change-of-shift report for an adult client who is transferring to a medical-surgical unit using the SBAR communication tool. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the report?
- A. The client has a do-not-resuscitate order.
- B. The client has a continuous IV of lactated Ringer's.
- C. The client was straight catheterized for 350 mL 2 hours ago.
- D. The client has Medicare insurance.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In an SBAR report, key information such as the client's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status should be included as it directly impacts the client's care and treatment plan. Choices B and C are important details but may not be as critical for immediate care planning during the shift change. Choice D, the client having Medicare insurance, is important for billing purposes but does not directly impact the client's immediate care needs.
A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is preparing to delegate tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse delegate to the LPN?
- A. Administering an oral antibiotic to a client
- B. Performing an admission assessment of a client
- C. Creating new teaching for a guardian of a toddler
- D. Administering IV conscious sedation to a client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering oral antibiotics is within the scope of practice for an LPN and can be safely delegated. LPNs are trained to administer medications, including oral ones. Performing an admission assessment (Choice B) involves critical thinking and comprehensive evaluation, typically done by registered nurses. Creating new teaching material (Choice C) requires specialized knowledge and is usually the responsibility of a nurse with additional training in education. Administering IV conscious sedation (Choice D) is a high-risk task that requires advanced skills and should be performed by a registered nurse or higher-level provider.
A client has bilateral eye patches following an injury. When the client's food tray arrives, which of the following interventions should the nurse take to promote independence in eating?
- A. Explain to the client that their tray is here and place their hands on it
- B. Ask the client if they would prefer a liquid diet
- C. Assign an assistive personnel to feed the client
- D. Describe to the client the location of the food on the tray
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Describing the location of food on the tray helps promote independence for the client with bilateral eye patches. By providing clear instructions on where the food is placed, the client can independently locate and consume their meal. Option A is incorrect as physically placing the client's hands on the tray does not encourage independence. Option B is unnecessary unless there are specific dietary restrictions indicated. Option C does not promote the client's independence and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
A client in her first trimester of pregnancy is being taught by a nurse about over-the-counter medications that belong to pregnancy risk category B. Which of the following medications should the nurse include?
- A. Naproxen
- B. Aspirin
- C. Ibuprofen
- D. Acetaminophen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acetaminophen is the correct choice as it belongs to pregnancy risk category B, making it considered safe during pregnancy. Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as they are classified in higher-risk categories which may be harmful to the developing fetus.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the lab results of a client with liver disease. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Elevated bilirubin levels
- B. Low albumin levels
- C. Elevated ammonia levels
- D. Low hemoglobin levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated ammonia levels in a client with liver disease can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, requiring immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can cause cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice A) are common in liver disease but do not require immediate intervention. Low albumin levels (Choice B) and low hemoglobin levels (Choice D) are also common in liver disease but do not pose an immediate threat compared to elevated ammonia levels.