Nokea
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is receiving a change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
- A. A client who has new onset of dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty
- B. A client who has acute abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale from 0 to 10
- C. A client who has a UTI and low-grade fever
- D. A client who has pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 96%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize seeing the client who has new onset dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty first. This sudden dyspnea could indicate a serious complication like a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Acute abdominal pain, a UTI with a low-grade fever, and pneumonia with an oxygen saturation of 96% are important concerns but are not as immediately life-threatening as potential pulmonary embolism indicated by sudden dyspnea postoperatively.
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The LPN observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood pressure with a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the client's usual range. What action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Tell the UAP to use a larger cuff at the next scheduled assessment.
- B. Reassess the client's blood pressure using a larger cuff.
- C. Have the unit educator review this procedure with the UAPs.
- D. Teach the UAP the correct technique for assessing blood pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reassessing the client's blood pressure using a larger cuff is the most important action for the nurse to implement in this situation. Using the correct cuff size is crucial for obtaining accurate blood pressure readings. By reassessing with a larger cuff, the nurse can ensure an accurate measurement and proper monitoring of the client's blood pressure.
Choice A is not the best option as it doesn't address the immediate need for accurate blood pressure measurement. Choice C is not the most appropriate action at this time since the immediate concern is ensuring correct blood pressure assessment. Choice D, while important, is not the most critical step in this scenario where immediate reassessment is needed with the correct cuff size.
A patient has scaling of the scalp. Which term will the nurse use to report this finding to the oncoming staff?
- A. Dandruff
- B. Alopecia
- C. Pediculosis
- D. Xerostomia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct term the nurse will use to report scaling of the scalp is 'Dandruff.' Dandruff is characterized by scaling of the scalp that is often accompanied by itching. Choice B, 'Alopecia,' refers to hair loss, not scaling. Choice C, 'Pediculosis,' is the infestation of lice, not scaling. Choice D, 'Xerostomia,' pertains to dry mouth, which is unrelated to the described symptom of scaling of the scalp.
Which serum blood finding in diabetic ketoacidosis alerts the nurse that immediate action is required?
- A. pH below 7.3
- B. Potassium of 5.0
- C. HCT of 60
- D. PaO2 of 79%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A hematocrit (HCT) of 60 indicates severe dehydration, a critical condition in diabetic ketoacidosis that requires immediate intervention. Severe dehydration can lead to hypovolemic shock and organ failure. While a low pH below 7.3 is indicative of acidosis, it may not require immediate action compared to severe dehydration. A potassium level of 5.0 is within the normal range and not a critical finding in this scenario. PaO2 of 79% reflects oxygenation status, which is important but not the most critical finding requiring immediate action in diabetic ketoacidosis.
What action should the nurse include in the plan of care for a postoperative client with a history of poor nutritional intake who needs care for wound healing?
- A. Provide a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day.
- B. Increase carbohydrate intake to 50% of daily calories.
- C. Administer high-dose vitamin supplements.
- D. Ensure a daily intake of 1000 calories.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To promote wound healing in a postoperative client with poor nutritional intake, the nurse should include a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day in the plan of care. Proteins are essential for tissue repair and wound healing. Increasing carbohydrate intake or administering high-dose vitamin supplements may not directly promote wound healing. Ensuring a daily intake of 1000 calories may not provide adequate nutrients for optimal wound healing.
A client needs to maintain a positive nitrogen balance for wound healing. Which of the following food items should the nurse recommend as a good source of complete protein?
- A. Cheddar cheese
- B. White rice
- C. Apples
- D. Green beans
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cheddar cheese is the correct answer as it is a good source of complete protein that contains all essential amino acids required for maintaining a positive nitrogen balance for wound healing. Complete proteins provide all essential amino acids needed by the body. White rice, apples, and green beans do not offer complete proteins like cheddar cheese, making them inadequate choices for this purpose.