The healthcare provider attaches a pulse oximeter to a client's fingers and obtains an oxygen saturation reading of 91%. Which assessment finding most likely contributes to this reading?
- A. BP 142/88 mmHg
- B. 2+ edema of fingers and hands
- C. Radial pulse volume is +3
- D. Capillary refill time is 2 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Edema in the fingers and hands can impede the proper functioning of the pulse oximeter, leading to a falsely low oxygen saturation reading. Edema alters the transmission of light through the tissues, affecting the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, the presence of edema in the fingers and hands is the most likely factor contributing to the low oxygen saturation reading of 91%.
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While conducting an intake assessment of an adult male at a community mental health clinic, the nurse notes that his affect is flat, he responds to questions with short answers, and he reports problems with sleeping. He reports that his life partner recently died from pneumonia. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the client to see the clinic's grief counselor.
- B. Determine if the client has a family history of suicide attempts.
- C. Inquire about whether the life partner had AIDS.
- D. Consult with the healthcare provider about the client's need for antidepressant medications.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client is exhibiting symptoms of normal grief, such as flat affect, withdrawal, and sleep disturbances, following the recent death of his life partner. It is crucial for the nurse to encourage the client to see the clinic's grief counselor. Grief counseling can provide the client with appropriate support and coping strategies during this grieving process, helping him navigate through his loss and emotions effectively.
When suctioning a tracheostomy, which action is most appropriate for the nurse to take?
- A. Use a sterile tube each time and suction for 30 seconds.
- B. Use sterile technique and turn the suction off as the catheter is introduced.
- C. Use clean technique and suction for 10 seconds.
- D. Discard the catheter at the end of every shift.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When suctioning a tracheostomy, it is crucial to use sterile technique to prevent infections. Turning off the suction as the catheter is introduced is important to avoid trauma and injury to the tracheal walls. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the tracheostomy site and ensures proper care for the patient.
A male client is on contact precautions due to an infected draining wound and is being discharged home. The client lives at home with his wife and their adolescent daughter. What discharge instruction should the nurse include for the client?
- A. Use disposable plates and utensils.
- B. Stay in a room with the door closed.
- C. Dispose of soiled dressings in plastic bags that are securely closed.
- D. Others who are in the same room with the client should wear a mask.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is on contact precautions due to an infected draining wound, it is important to prevent contact with wound secretions. Therefore, disposing of soiled dressings in securely closed plastic bags helps contain and prevent the spread of infectious material, reducing the risk of transmission to others in the household.
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior to administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP?
- A. Position the client on the right side of the bed in reverse Trendelenburg.
- B. Fill the enema container with 1000 ml of warm water and 5 ml of castile soap.
- C. Reposition the client in the Sims' position.
- D. Raise the side rails on both sides of the bed and elevate the bed to waist level.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct position for administering a soap suds enema is the Sims' position, not the left lateral position. The Sims' position allows the enema solution to follow the anatomical course of the intestines and provides the best overall results. By repositioning the client in the Sims' position, the weight is distributed to the anterior ilium, facilitating the enema administration process.
When assisting an older adult client in preparing to take a tub bath, which nursing action is most important?
- A. Check the bath water temperature.
- B. Shut the bathroom door.
- C. Ensure that the client has voided.
- D. Provide extra towels.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most crucial nursing action when assisting an older adult client with a tub bath is to check the bath water temperature. This step is essential to prevent burns from hot water or chilling from water that is too cold. Ensuring the water temperature is safe is a critical aspect of promoting the client's safety and comfort during the bathing process.