The healthcare professional is assessing a client who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. Which assessment finding would require immediate intervention?
- A. Absent bowel sounds
- B. Pain level of 8/10
- C. Temperature of 100.4°F
- D. Saturated abdominal dressing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A saturated abdominal dressing may indicate active bleeding or other complications that require immediate intervention. This finding suggests a potential surgical site issue that needs urgent attention to prevent further complications. Absent bowel sounds, pain level, and a slightly elevated temperature are common post-operative findings that may not necessarily require immediate intervention compared to a saturated abdominal dressing. Absent bowel sounds can be common after surgery due to anesthesia but may resolve with time. Pain and slightly elevated temperature are expected post-operative findings that can be managed with appropriate pain relief and monitoring. However, a saturated abdominal dressing indicates a potential ongoing issue at the surgical site that needs prompt assessment and intervention to prevent complications.
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A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an NG tube for a client admitted with bowel obstruction. Which of the following should the healthcare professional do first?
- A. Explain the procedure to the client
- B. Measure the length of the NG tube
- C. Lubricate the NG tube
- D. Place the client in a high Fowler's position
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Explaining the procedure to the client is the initial and most important step that the healthcare professional should take before inserting an NG tube. By explaining the procedure, the healthcare professional ensures the client's understanding, obtains informed consent, and fosters cooperation. Measuring the length of the NG tube, lubricating the tube, and positioning the client in a high Fowler's position are essential steps in the NG tube insertion process but should come after the client has been informed and consented to the procedure.
A client is being treated for pneumonia and is receiving intravenous antibiotics. The nurse notes that the client has developed a rash and is complaining of itching. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
- A. Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- B. Discontinue the antibiotic infusion
- C. Apply a cool compress to the rash
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate initial nursing action when a client develops a rash and itching while receiving intravenous antibiotics is to discontinue the antibiotic infusion. This is crucial to prevent further allergic reactions. Administering diphenhydramine (Benadryl) (Choice A) can be considered after discontinuing the antibiotic infusion. Applying a cool compress to the rash (Choice C) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying cause. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) is important but should come after discontinuing the antibiotic infusion to ensure the client's safety.
When lifting a bedside cabinet to move it closer to a client who is sitting in a chair, which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent self-injury?
- A. Bend at the waist
- B. Keep feet close together
- C. Use back muscles for lifting
- D. Stand close to the cabinet when lifting it
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to stand close to the cabinet when lifting it. This action keeps the object close to the nurse's center of gravity, reducing the risk of back strain. Bending at the waist (Choice A) can increase the risk of back injury as it puts strain on the lower back. Keeping feet close together (Choice B) does not provide a stable base of support for lifting a heavy object. Using back muscles for lifting (Choice C) is incorrect as it can lead to back strain and injury. Therefore, standing close to the cabinet when lifting it is the safest and most effective approach to prevent self-injury.
A client has restraints on each extremity. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform first?
- A. Peripheral pulses
- B. Comfort level
- C. Elimination needs
- D. Skin integrity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client is restrained, the nurse should prioritize assessing peripheral pulses first. This assessment is crucial to monitor circulation and ensure the restraints are not impeding blood flow. Comfort level, elimination needs, and skin integrity are also important assessments; however, assessing peripheral pulses takes precedence to prevent complications such as impaired circulation and tissue damage. By assessing peripheral pulses initially, the nurse can promptly identify and address any circulation issues, which are critical in preventing serious complications.
A nurse is preparing to administer multiple medications to a client who has an enteral feeding tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Dissolve each medication in 5 mL of sterile water.
- B. Draw up each medication separately in the syringe.
- C. Push the syringe plunger gently if feeling resistance.
- D. Flush the tube with 15 mL of sterile water.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when administering multiple medications to a client with an enteral feeding tube is to flush the tube with 15-30 mL of sterile water before and between medications, and 30-60 mL after the last medication. This helps prevent clogging and ensures each medication is delivered effectively. Choice A is incorrect as medications should not be dissolved in water for administration through an enteral feeding tube. Choice B is incorrect because each medication should be drawn up and administered separately to prevent any potential interactions. Choice C is incorrect as resistance while pushing the plunger may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed before continuing with the administration.