The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. What action should the nurse implement immediately?
- A. Change the dressing using a compression bandage
- B. Test fluid on the dressing for glucose
- C. Document the findings in the electronic medical record
- D. Mark drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement immediately upon identifying clear fluid on the surgical dressing post-lumbar surgery is to test the fluid for glucose. Clear fluid could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and testing for glucose can help confirm this. Changing the dressing using a compression bandage (Choice A) without further assessment could lead to complications. Documenting the findings (Choice C) is important but not as immediate as confirming the presence of CSF. Marking the drainage area with a pen and monitoring (Choice D) does not address the need for immediate confirmation of CSF leakage.
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When assessing a client's blood pressure and determining an auscultatory gap, which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Compare the palpated systolic blood pressure with the auscultated pressure
- B. Assess the client for lightheadedness upon standing
- C. Determine if an automated blood pressure reading is consistent with the manual reading
- D. Observe for changes in blood pressure between lying and sitting positions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When an auscultatory gap is present, comparing the palpated systolic blood pressure with the auscultated pressure is crucial. This helps to accurately measure blood pressure and detect any discrepancies caused by the gap. Assessing for lightheadedness upon standing (choice B) is unrelated to addressing an auscultatory gap. Checking the consistency between automated and manual blood pressure readings (choice C) is important for validation but not specifically for managing an auscultatory gap. Observing blood pressure changes between lying and sitting positions (choice D) is relevant for orthostatic hypotension assessment but not for dealing with an auscultatory gap.
The charge nurse of a cardiac telemetry unit is assigning client care to a registered nurse (RN) and a practical nurse (PN). Which client should be assigned to the RN?
- A. One day after a permanent pacemaker insertion, a client's telemetry monitor shows a pacer rhythm.
- B. Two hours after undergoing cardioversion, a client's telemetry monitor shows a normal sinus rhythm.
- C. A client started on carvedilol the previous day for heart failure has controlled atrial fibrillation.
- D. Four hours after admission, a client with syncope shows complete heart block on the telemetry monitor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because complete heart block is a critical condition that requires immediate assessment and management by a registered nurse (RN). In complete heart block, there is a significant conduction disturbance that can lead to serious complications. The RN is better equipped to handle such complex and potentially life-threatening situations. Choices A, B, and C involve less critical conditions that can be managed by a practical nurse (PN) under the supervision of the RN. Therefore, assigning the client with complete heart block to the RN ensures prompt and appropriate intervention.
When designing a plan of care for a client diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a goal statement should be prepared that relates to which topic?
- A. Psychological counseling to address emotional well-being
- B. Medication teaching concerning adrenergic blockers
- C. Preoperative and postoperative teaching for adrenalectomy
- D. Education on dietary modifications for hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Preoperative and postoperative teaching for adrenalectomy. Pheochromocytoma often requires adrenalectomy as part of the treatment plan. Therefore, educating the client about what to expect before and after the surgery is crucial for optimal care and outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A focuses on emotional well-being rather than the specific surgical intervention needed for pheochromocytoma. Choice B is unrelated as the primary treatment for pheochromocytoma is surgical rather than medication-based. Choice D, though related to managing hypertension, does not address the surgical aspect of treating pheochromocytoma.
A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis, 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?
- A. Allow the child to eat foods desired and tolerated
- B. Restrict foods brought from fast food restaurants
- C. Recommend eating the same foods as siblings eat at home
- D. Encourage a variety of large portions of food at every meal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Allowing the child to choose foods can help improve intake and reduce nausea. Choice A is the correct intervention as it empowers the child to select foods they desire and can tolerate, which is crucial in ensuring adequate nutrition intake. Choice B is incorrect because restricting certain foods can further limit the child's options and may not address the underlying issues. Choice C is incorrect as it doesn't consider the specific needs and preferences of the child with altered nutrition. Choice D is incorrect as encouraging large portions of food at every meal may be overwhelming for a child experiencing anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.
A client with metastatic breast cancer refuses to participate in a clinical trial and further treatments. Her children ask the nurse to convince their mother to reconsider. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Ask the client if she fully understands the decision she has made with her children present.
- B. Discuss the success of clinical trials and ask the client to consider participating for one month.
- C. Explain to the family that they must accept their mother's decision.
- D. Explore the client's decision to refuse treatment and offer support.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is to explore the client's decision to refuse treatment and offer support. In this situation, it is crucial for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and decisions regarding her own health. By exploring the client's reasons for refusal, the nurse can better understand her perspective and provide appropriate support. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on questioning the client in front of her children, potentially pressuring her. Option B is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and tries to persuade her to participate. Option C is also incorrect as it dismisses the client's decision and fails to address the family's concerns in a supportive manner.