The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood pressure with a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the client's usual range. What action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Tell the UAP to use a larger cuff at the next scheduled assessment.
- B. Reassess the client's blood pressure using a larger cuff.
- C. Have the unit educator review this procedure with the UAPs.
- D. Teach the UAP the correct technique for assessing blood pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important action is to ensure that an accurate BP reading is obtained. The nurse should reassess the blood pressure with the correct size cuff (B) to obtain an accurate reading. Postponing reassessment (A) could lead to inaccurate results. While (C and D) are important actions for education and quality improvement, they are not as critical as obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading in this situation.
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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.
A client is admitted with a stage four pressure ulcer that has a black, hardened surface and a light-pink wound bed with malodorous green drainage. Which dressing is best for the nurse to use first?
- A. Hydrogel dressing.
- B. Exudate absorber.
- C. Wet-to-moist dressing.
- D. Transparent adhesive film.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best initial dressing for a stage four pressure ulcer with necrotic tissue is a wet-to-moist dressing. This dressing helps to provide moisture, soften necrotic tissue, and prepare the wound bed for healing. It promotes autolytic debridement and can help manage malodorous drainage. Once the necrotic tissue is loosened, other advanced dressings like hydrogel or alginate may be used in the wound bed to facilitate healing.
When assisting a client from the bed to a chair, which procedure is best for the nurse to follow?
- A. Place the chair parallel to the bed, with its back toward the head of the bed, and assist the client in moving to the chair.
- B. With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and pivot the client into the chair.
- C. Assist the client to a standing position by gently lifting upward underneath the axillae.
- D. Stand beside the client, place the client's arms around the nurse's neck, and gently move the client to the chair.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is the best procedure for the nurse to follow when assisting a client from the bed to a chair. This option emphasizes the correct positioning of the nurse with feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's, providing a stable base of support. By standing and pivoting the client into the chair, the nurse can maintain control and stability, especially around the client's knees, ensuring a safe transfer.
While changing a client's post-operative dressing, the nurse observes a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor. Given a positive MRSA result, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Force oral fluids
- B. Request a nutrition consult
- C. Initiate contact precautions
- D. Limit visitors to immediate family only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Initiating contact precautions is crucial in this situation to prevent the spread of MRSA infection. MRSA is a highly contagious bacterium that can spread through direct contact with an infected wound or by touching contaminated surfaces. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse can help contain the infection and protect other patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from being exposed to MRSA.
Earlier this morning, an elderly Hispanic female was discharged to a LTC facility. The family members are now gathered in the hallway outside her room. What is the best action?
- A. Ask the family to wait in the cafeteria while the next of kin makes the necessary arrangements
- B. Provide space and privacy for the family to share their concerns about the client's discharge
- C. Ask the social worker to encourage the family to clear the hallway
- D. Explain to the family the client's need for privacy so that she can make independent decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, providing space and privacy for the family allows them to openly discuss their concerns regarding the client's discharge. It respects the family's need for support, communication, and involvement in the decision-making process, ultimately fostering a more effective and compassionate care environment.
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