An adult client is found to be unresponsive during morning rounds. After checking for responsiveness and calling for help, what should the nurse do next?
- A. Check the carotid pulse
- B. Deliver 5 abdominal thrusts
- C. Give 2 rescue breaths
- D. Open the client's airway
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After confirming unresponsiveness and calling for help, the next step in basic life support is to open the client's airway. This ensures that the airway is clear and allows for effective ventilation. Checking the carotid pulse is not necessary at this stage as airway management takes precedence. Delivering abdominal thrusts is not indicated for an unresponsive client as it is for conscious choking individuals. Giving rescue breaths should only be done after ensuring the airway is open to allow for effective ventilation.
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The LPN/LVN observes that a male client has removed the covering from an ice pack applied to his knee. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Observe the appearance of the skin under the ice pack.
- B. Instruct the client regarding the importance of the covering.
- C. Reapply the covering after filling it with fresh ice.
- D. Ask the client how long the ice pack was applied to the skin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client removes the covering from an ice pack is to observe the appearance of the skin under the ice pack. This assessment is crucial to check for any skin damage or adverse reactions resulting from direct contact with the ice pack. Instructing the client about the importance of the covering (Choice B) can follow the skin assessment. Reapplying the covering (Choice C) before skin assessment may potentially cause harm. Asking the client about the duration of ice application (Choice D) is not the immediate priority; ensuring skin integrity is the primary concern.
During an integumentary assessment for a group of clients, a healthcare professional notes various skin findings. Which of the following findings should the professional recognize as requiring immediate intervention?
- A. Pallor
- B. Cyanosis
- C. Jaundice
- D. Erythema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires immediate intervention. It suggests a severe lack of oxygen in the blood, which can be life-threatening. Pallor and jaundice are concerning findings but may not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Pallor can be a sign of anemia or low blood pressure, while jaundice may indicate liver dysfunction. Erythema, which is redness of the skin, is typically not an emergency and can be caused by various factors such as inflammation or increased blood flow to the area.
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged with home oxygen therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will keep my oxygen tank upright at all times.
- B. I will not use petroleum jelly to keep my nose from drying out.
- C. I will not smoke or allow others to smoke around me.
- D. I will call my doctor if I have difficulty breathing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Petroleum jelly is flammable and should not be used with oxygen therapy as it can increase the risk of fire. Using petroleum jelly near oxygen can lead to a fire hazard. Choices A, C, and D are correct statements that indicate proper understanding of oxygen therapy safety measures. Choice A emphasizes the importance of keeping the oxygen tank upright to prevent leaks, choice C highlights the necessity of avoiding smoking to prevent exacerbation of COPD, and choice D encourages seeking medical help promptly in case of breathing difficulties.
A client who is unstable and requires frequent vital signs has an electronic blood pressure machine automatically measuring his blood pressure every 15 min. However, the machine is reading the client's blood pressure at more frequent intervals, and the readings are not similar. The nurse checks the machine settings and observes the additional readings, but the problem continues. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?
- A. Notify the manufacturer
- B. Disconnect the machine, and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min
- C. Adjust the machine settings again
- D. Ignore the extra readings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to disconnect the electronic blood pressure machine and measure the client's blood pressure manually every 15 minutes. Given that the machine is malfunctioning and providing inconsistent readings, relying on manual measurements ensures accuracy and maintains the quality of care. Notifying the manufacturer (Choice A) may be necessary in the long run, but the immediate concern is the accuracy of the vital signs. Adjusting the machine settings again (Choice C) without resolving the underlying issue would not address the problem. Ignoring the extra readings (Choice D) could lead to incorrect assessment and compromise patient care. Therefore, the best course of action is to disconnect the machine and opt for manual blood pressure measurements until the issue is resolved.
Postoperatively, signs of hemorrhagic shock are observed. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who instructs to continue monitoring vitals every 15 minutes and report back in one hour. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Notify the nurse manager
- B. Continue monitoring as instructed
- C. Administer IV fluids as per protocol
- D. Prepare for immediate transfer to the ICU
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to continue monitoring the patient as instructed. This is crucial to assess the patient's condition and response to initial interventions. Administering IV fluids or preparing for transfer to the ICU should only be done based on further assessment or explicit orders from the healthcare provider. Notifying the nurse manager, as suggested in choice A, without further assessment or intervention could delay immediate patient care and management.