A nurse who recently learned she is pregnant has just received client assignments for the day. Which client assignment should the nurse question as being inappropriate?
- A. A client with metastatic cancer who is receiving a continuous infusion of intravenous morphine sulfate
- B. A client with a solid-sealed cervical radiation implant
- C. A client with diarrhea for whom enteric precautions are in effect
- D. A client for whom contact precautions have been implemented and who requires frequent wound irrigations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is a client with a solid-sealed cervical radiation implant. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of a sealed radiation source within the targeted tumor tissue. A client with such an implant emits radiation as long as it is in place. Pregnant nurses should not care for clients with solid-sealed radiation implants due to the potential radiation exposure risk to the fetus. Clients under enteric precautions due to diarrhea, receiving a continuous infusion of intravenous morphine sulfate for cancer pain, or requiring contact precautions and frequent wound irrigations do not pose a risk to pregnant nurses and are appropriate assignments for them. Therefore, the nurse should question the assignment involving the client with the solid-sealed cervical radiation implant as it poses a risk to the fetus.
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Which of these clients should the LPN/LVN see first?
- A. a client with a newly placed NG tube who is complaining of pain around the face and a plugged nose
- B. a post-op prostatectomy client who complains of bladder spasms and blood in his foley bag
- C. a client in an arm cast who is 2 days post-op and reports feelings of numbness and tingling in her affected arm
- D. a client newly diagnosed with Hepatitis A who reports stomach pain and itchy skin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Numbness and tingling hours or days after a cast is applied may indicate compartment syndrome and should be reported to a medical provider right away. This is a potential emergency situation that requires immediate attention to prevent complications. The other options present expected or typical symptoms related to their diagnosis, which do not require immediate intervention. Complaints related to a newly placed NG tube such as pain around the face and a plugged nose may require assessment and intervention but are not as urgent as potential compartment syndrome. Bladder spasms and blood in the foley bag post-prostatectomy are common postoperative issues that can be addressed after the client in the arm cast with potential compartment syndrome is seen. Stomach pain and itchy skin in a client with Hepatitis A are common symptoms of the condition and do not indicate an emergency situation.
A nurse in a medical-surgical unit overhears the nursing staff openly discussing a client and stating that the client is uncooperative and a real pain to care for. The nurse would most appropriately manage this issue by taking which action?
- A. Leaving articles about judgmental opinions in the nurses' report room
- B. Reporting the nurses' comments to administration
- C. Discouraging the judgmental comments
- D. Ignoring the comments made about the client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses must discuss clients in a professional manner and avoid using judgmental language such as 'uncooperative' or 'difficult.' When such comments and language are discouraged, fewer comments will be made. Ignoring the comments is an inappropriate option because the concern will not be addressed. Leaving articles about judgmental opinions in the nurses' report room indirectly addresses the issue, but there is no guarantee that the staff will read them. Reporting the nurses' comments to administration does not directly address the issue. The best approach for the nurse is to discourage judgmental comments directly with the staff members. Since this action is not provided in the options, discouraging judgmental comments is the most appropriate way to manage this concern.
A nurse is assisting with data collection of a client who has sustained circumferential burns of both legs. What should the nurse examine first?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Peripheral pulses
- C. Blood pressure (BP)
- D. Radial pulse rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority assessment for a client with circumferential burns to the legs is to examine peripheral pulses. This is essential to ensure adequate circulation to the extremities. Circumferential burns can lead to compartment syndrome, causing decreased circulation to the affected limbs. Checking peripheral pulses is crucial to monitor for any signs of compromised circulation. While heart rate and blood pressure are important assessments in general, in the context of circumferential burns, the immediate concern is the risk of impaired circulation to the extremities. Therefore, assessing peripheral pulses takes precedence in this situation.
A nurse is planning task assignments for the day. Which assignment is the least appropriate for the nursing assistant?
- A. Assisting a client with dysphagia in eating
- B. Ambulating a client with Parkinson's disease
- C. Providing hygiene to a client with dementia
- D. Assisting a client with an above-the-knee amputation in showering
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The least appropriate assignment for a nursing assistant would be assisting a client with dysphagia in eating. This task requires specialized skills and knowledge to prevent complications such as choking and aspiration. Ambulating a client with Parkinson's disease, providing hygiene to a client with dementia, and assisting a client with an above-the-knee amputation in showering are tasks that a nursing assistant can safely perform without significant risk of complications. Assisting a client with dysphagia in eating involves higher risks and requires specific training, making it the least appropriate choice for a nursing assistant.
The nurse is teaching a client about erythema infectiosum. Which of the following factors is not correct?
- A. There is no rash.
- B. The disorder is uncommon in adults.
- C. There is no fever.
- D. There is sometimes a 'slapped face' appearance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The disorder is uncommon in adults.' Erythema infectiosum, also known as Fifth's disease, is more common in children than in adults. It typically presents with a rash on the face that gives a 'slapped cheek' or 'slapped face' appearance. Fever may be present, and there is a characteristic rash associated with the condition. Therefore, the statement 'The disorder is uncommon in adults' is incorrect, making it the correct answer. The other statements are true regarding erythema infectiosum, making them incorrect choices. There is indeed a rash associated with erythema infectiosum, which can be a prominent feature. Fever may also be present in individuals with this condition. Additionally, the 'slapped face' appearance is a classic characteristic of erythema infectiosum.