The LPN is receiving the report on a comatose client at the start of the shift at 1500. What statement should be of most concern?
- A. The client was repositioned on his right side at 1100.
- B. The client was bathed, and the skin was assessed head-to-toe at 0900 with no abnormal findings.
- C. The client's PEG tube was changed 6 months ago.
- D. The client's indwelling urinary catheter was last changed 5 days ago.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When caring for a comatose client, it is crucial to monitor and maintain the integrity of the indwelling urinary catheter to prevent urinary tract infections and other complications. Changing the urinary catheter less frequently than recommended increases the risk of infection. In this scenario, the most concerning issue is the prolonged duration since the last change of the indwelling urinary catheter, which poses an immediate risk to the client's health. While repositioning every 2 hours is essential to prevent skin breakdown, the most critical aspect in this case is the catheter care. Bathing and skin assessment are important for overall hygiene and skin integrity but are not as urgent as catheter care. The timing of the PEG tube change, while relevant for care planning, is not as immediate a concern as the indwelling urinary catheter status.
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Which of these types of fluid output is not typically measured?
- A. chest tube drainage
- B. emesis
- C. evaporative water from the respiratory tract
- D. urine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'urine.' Urine output is routinely measured to assess renal function and fluid balance. Choices A, B, and C are types of fluid output that are typically measured in a clinical setting. Chest tube drainage is monitored to evaluate drainage from the chest cavity, emesis refers to vomitus which can indicate gastrointestinal issues, and evaporative water from the respiratory tract is considered insensible loss and is not directly measured but estimated in overall fluid balance assessments.
An LPN is caring for a primarily bedridden client. Which finding should be of least concern?
- A. swollen feet
- B. brown discoloration above the ankles
- C. leg pain
- D. capillary refill time of 3 seconds on the big toe
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is the capillary refill time of 3 seconds on the big toe. A capillary refill time longer than three seconds may indicate inadequate blood flow. Swollen feet, brown discoloration above the ankles, and leg pain are all signs of venous insufficiency to the lower extremities. These findings can suggest circulation issues and require further assessment and intervention. Therefore, they should be of more concern compared to the capillary refill time of 3 seconds on the big toe, which is within the normal range of 2-3 seconds.
A child comes to the clinic with a skin rash. The maculopapular lesions are distributed around the mouth and have honey-colored drainage. The caregiver states that the rash is getting worse and seems to spread with the child's scratching. Which of the following advisory comments should be given?
- A. The history and presentation might indicate chickenpox, a highly contagious disease.
- B. The lesions might indicate a noncontagious infection that does not require isolation.
- C. The history and presentation might indicate an infectious illness called impetigo.
- D. The lesions are not contagious unless others have open wounds or lesions themselves.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The scenario describes classic impetigo, which typically presents with maculopapular lesions around the mouth with honey-colored drainage, worsening with scratching. It is important to advise the caregiver that the history and presentation are indicative of impetigo, an infectious skin condition caused by bacteria. Treatment usually involves antibiotic therapy. Choice A is incorrect because chickenpox typically presents with a vesicular rash following a history of high fever. Choice B is incorrect as impetigo is contagious and requires precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Choice D is incorrect as impetigo is contagious irrespective of open wounds or lesions in others.
Which fetal heart monitor pattern can indicate cord compression?
- A. variable decelerations
- B. early decelerations
- C. bradycardia
- D. tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Variable decelerations can indicate cord compression as they are caused by umbilical cord compression or prolapse. This pattern shows an abrupt decrease in heart rate with an erratic shape, often resembling a V or W. Early decelerations (choice B) are typically caused by head compression during contractions and are considered benign. Bradycardia (choice C) is a consistent low heart rate below 110 bpm and is not specific to cord compression. Tachycardia (choice D) is an abnormally high heart rate above 160 bpm and is not associated with cord compression.
The LPN is caring for a 32-year-old female client who is 8 hours post-op after a tonsillectomy. Which of these actions would be appropriate for the nurse to take?
- A. Inform the client that ear pain may occur and is normal.
- B. Provide ice water and a straw to promote easy fluid consumption.
- C. Provide hot tea to soothe the throat.
- D. Monitor vitals every 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to inform the client that ear pain may occur and is normal after a tonsillectomy. Referred pain in the ear is common due to related nerve pathways. It is essential to educate the client about this to alleviate concerns. Providing ice water and a straw is not recommended as they may irritate the throat and disturb the healing process. Hot beverages like tea should also be avoided for the same reason. While monitoring vitals every 15 minutes is crucial in the immediate postoperative period for early identification of any complications, it is not the most appropriate action in this scenario where addressing the client's concerns and providing education is key.