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The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days post-op following an abdominal hysterectomy. The client reports feeling something 'give way' in the incision site and there is a small amount of bowel protruding from the wound. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Apply a sterile saline dressing to the wound
- B. Notify the healthcare provider
- C. Administer pain medication
- D. Cover the wound with an abdominal binder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to apply a sterile saline dressing to the wound (Choice A). This is because the client's situation suggests an incisional dehiscence, which is a surgical complication requiring immediate attention to prevent infection and further complications. Applying a sterile saline dressing helps protect the exposed bowel from contamination and dehydration.
Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice B) is important, but immediate wound care is the priority to prevent complications. Administering pain medication (Choice C) can wait until after the wound is properly dressed and assessed. Covering the wound with an abdominal binder (Choice D) is not appropriate in this situation as it does not address the urgent need to protect the exposed bowel and prevent infection.
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The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. Which outcome is the priority for this child?
- A. Activity tolerance as evidenced by appropriate age-level activities being performed
- B. Absence of skin breakdown as evidenced by intact skin and absence of redness
- C. Maintaining adequate nutritional status as evidenced by stable weight without gain or loss
- D. Maintaining fluid balance as evidenced by a urine output of 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. In acute glomerulonephritis, the kidneys are inflamed, affecting fluid balance. Monitoring urine output of 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr is crucial to assess kidney function and prevent fluid overload or dehydration. This is the priority outcome as it directly reflects kidney function and overall fluid balance.
A: Activity tolerance is important but not the priority in acute glomerulonephritis.
B: Absence of skin breakdown is important for overall health but not directly related to the condition.
C: Nutritional status is important, but fluid balance takes precedence in managing acute glomerulonephritis.
In summary, maintaining fluid balance is crucial in managing acute glomerulonephritis as it directly reflects kidney function, while the other options are important but not the priority in this scenario.
A nurse is planning care for a client in the late stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?
- A. Impaired physical mobility
- B. Ineffective breathing pattern
- C. Impaired skin integrity
- D. Risk for infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ineffective breathing pattern. In late-stage ALS, respiratory muscles weaken, leading to breathing difficulties. Priority is given to maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Impaired physical mobility (choice A) is important but not the highest priority. Impaired skin integrity (choice C) and risk for infection (choice D) may result from immobility but are secondary to the critical issue of breathing in this scenario.
An angry client screams at the emergency department triage nurse, 'I've been waiting here for two hours! You and the staff are incompetent.' What is the best response for the nurse to make?
- A. The emergency department is very busy at this time.
- B. I'll let you see the doctor next because you've waited so long.
- C. I'm doing the best I can for the sickest clients first.
- D. I understand you are frustrated with the wait time.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates empathy and acknowledges the client's feelings without admitting fault. By saying "I understand you are frustrated with the wait time," the nurse validates the client's emotions and shows a willingness to listen and address concerns. This response can help de-escalate the situation and build rapport.
Choice A is incorrect because it doesn't directly address the client's emotions. Choice B is incorrect as it prioritizes the client based on their anger rather than medical need. Choice C is incorrect as it may come off as dismissive of the client's feelings and lacks empathy.
A client who has a new prescription for warfarin (Coumadin) asks the nurse how the medication works. What explanation should the nurse provide?
- A. It dissolves blood clots
- B. It prevents the blood from clotting
- C. It thins the blood
- D. It decreases the risk of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: It prevents the blood from clotting. Warfarin works as an anticoagulant by inhibiting the production of certain clotting factors in the liver. This prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces the risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis or stroke. Choice A is incorrect because warfarin does not dissolve existing blood clots but prevents new ones. Choice C is misleading as it does not actually "thin" the blood but affects its ability to clot. Choice D is unrelated to the mechanism of action of warfarin.
While assessing a client who is experiencing Cheyne-Stokes respirations, the nurse observes periods of apnea. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Elevate the head of the client's bed
- B. Auscultate the client's breath sounds
- C. Measure the length of the apneic periods
- D. Suction the client's oropharynx
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Measure the length of the apneic periods. This action is crucial in assessing the severity of Cheyne-Stokes respirations and guiding further interventions. By measuring the length of apneic periods, the nurse can determine the duration of respiratory pauses and their impact on oxygenation. This information helps in deciding the appropriate treatment, such as administering supplemental oxygen or notifying the healthcare provider. Elevating the head of the bed (choice A) can help with breathing but does not address the root cause. Auscultating breath sounds (choice B) is important but does not directly address the apneic periods. Suctioning the oropharynx (choice D) is not indicated unless there is an airway obstruction.