Nursing Clinical Skills questions Related

Review Nursing Clinical Skills questions related questions and content

The patient is on intake and output (I&O), as well as daily weights. The nurse notes that output is considerably less than intake over the last shift, and daily weight is 1 kg more than yesterday. The nurse should

  • A. draw a trough level after the next dose of antibiotic.
  • B. obtain an order to place the patient on fluid restriction.
  • C. assess the patient’s lungs.
  • D. insert an indwelling catheter.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: assess the patient's lungs. The discrepancy between intake, output, and weight gain indicates a potential fluid imbalance. By assessing the patient's lungs, the nurse can identify signs of fluid overload, such as crackles or difficulty breathing, which could explain the weight gain and imbalance. This step is crucial in determining the underlying cause and guiding further interventions. Drawing a trough level (A) or inserting an indwelling catheter (D) are not necessary at this point and may not address the immediate issue. Placing the patient on fluid restriction (B) should only be considered after a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the imbalance.