The nurse observes a nursing assistant performing AM care for a client with a new leg cast. Which action by the assistant will the nurse intervene?
- A. Lifting the affected leg with the palms of the hands
- B. Covering the affected leg with a blanket to avoid chills
- C. Placing plastic over the groin prior to bathing
- D. Elevating the casted leg on two pillows
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to intervene when the assistant covers the affected leg with a blanket to avoid chills. A new cast should not be covered to allow the heat from the cast to evaporate, preventing complications. Lifting the affected leg with the palms of the hands is appropriate for proper handling. Placing plastic over the groin prior to bathing is a standard practice to protect the client's privacy and maintain hygiene. Elevating the casted leg on two pillows helps reduce swelling and promote circulation, making it a suitable action.
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A client with sleep apnea has been ordered a CPAP machine. Which action could the RN delegate to a nursing assistant?
- A. Reminding the client to apply the CPAP at bedtime
- B. Obtaining every three-hour oxygen saturation levels
- C. Teaching the client how to turn on the CPAP machine
- D. Assessing for fatigue or depression caused by poor sleep
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is reminding the client to apply the CPAP at bedtime. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant as it involves a simple and routine reminder. Option B, obtaining oxygen saturation levels, requires a higher level of training and interpretation of results, making it more appropriate for an RN. Option C, teaching the client how to turn on the CPAP machine, involves educating the client and ensuring proper use of medical equipment, which is within the RN's scope of practice. Option D, assessing for fatigue or depression, requires a comprehensive evaluation that involves interpreting symptoms and identifying underlying causes, making it more suitable for an RN to address.
An RN on your unit has had an argument with the family of a client regarding the way in which the RN has changed the client's dressing. The family is adamant that the dressing change was performed incorrectly. The RN insists that sterile technique was observed. As an RN manager, what is the best response?
- A. Meet with the family member and the RN to discuss the disagreement regarding the dressing change.
- B. Talk to the family member and assure them that the nurse followed the hospital procedure.
- C. Discuss the dressing change procedure with the RN and compare it to a current textbook.
- D. Change the RN's assignment the next day to another client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When conflict occurs, it is best to meet with both parties together to discuss the problem. This approach allows each party to hear what the other is saying and prevents the RN manager from being caught in the middle. By facilitating a discussion between the family member and the RN, they can work together to find a resolution or the manager can mediate. This promotes open communication, understanding, and collaboration. Option A is the correct choice because it emphasizes addressing the conflict directly and seeking a mutual understanding. Option B is incorrect because just assuring the family member may not address the underlying issues. Option C is incorrect as it does not involve the family member in the resolution process. Option D is inappropriate as it doesn't address the conflict but rather avoids it by changing the RN's assignment.
The nurse is preparing for a dressing change on a full thickness burn to the flank area. The orders include irrigating the wound with each dressing change. To irrigate the wound, what will the nurse use?
- A. Sterile saline
- B. Distilled water
- C. Betadine scrub
- D. Tap water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When irrigating a wound, especially in the case of a full-thickness burn, it is crucial to use a solution that is gentle and non-irritating to the tissues. Sterile saline is the preferred choice for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and does not cause additional damage to the already compromised tissue. Distilled water lacks the electrolytes present in saline, Betadine scrub is not used for irrigation due to its potential to be cytotoxic, and tap water may introduce contaminants and microorganisms to the wound.
During the admission assessment for a client undergoing breast augmentation, which information should the nurse prioritize reporting to the surgeon before surgery?
- A. The client is concerned about who will care for her two children while she recovers.
- B. The client has a history of postoperative dehiscence after a previous C-section.
- C. The client's statement that her last menstrual period was 8 weeks prior.
- D. The client's concerns over pain control postoperatively.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to report to the surgeon before surgery is the client's statement that her last menstrual period was 8 weeks prior. This information is crucial as the client may be pregnant, and a pregnancy test will need to be completed before administering any anesthetic agents. Reporting this detail ensures patient safety and prevents potential risks associated with anesthesia. Choices A, B, and D are important aspects of care but do not take precedence over the need to rule out pregnancy before surgery.
Which task would be appropriate for the LPN to perform?
- A. Changing a colostomy bag.
- B. Hanging a new bag of TPN.
- C. Drawing a peak antibiotic blood level from a central line.
- D. Administering IV pain medication to a two-day post-op client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is changing a colostomy bag. This task falls within the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are trained to provide basic nursing care, including assisting with activities of daily living and certain medical procedures like changing ostomy bags. Hanging a new bag of TPN and drawing a peak antibiotic blood level from a central line are tasks that require a higher level of training and are typically performed by RNs due to their complexity and potential risks. Administering IV pain medication to a two-day post-op client is usually the responsibility of an RN as it involves close monitoring, assessment of the client's condition, and the administration of potent medications that require a higher level of clinical judgment and expertise.