The PN reviews a client's medication history and learns that the client takes an anticoagulant and has recently started taking phenytoin. Which instruction should the PN provide when assigning the client's morning care to a UAP?
- A. Measure the temperature every 4 hours
- B. Elevate both feet on two pillows
- C. Initiate hourly turning schedule
- D. Protect skin from injury and bruising
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Protect skin from injury and bruising. Phenytoin and anticoagulants both increase the risk of bleeding. Protecting the skin from injury and bruising is critical to prevent complications, making it important to instruct the UAP accordingly. Measuring the temperature every 4 hours (Choice A) may not be directly related to the client's medications. Elevating both feet on two pillows (Choice B) is more relevant for issues like edema. Initiating an hourly turning schedule (Choice C) is important for preventing pressure ulcers, but in this case, the priority is to prevent bleeding due to the medications.
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When preparing a sterile field for a procedure, which action should the nurse take to maintain sterility?
- A. Place sterile items around the sterile field
- B. Keep hands below waist level to avoid contamination
- C. Open the sterile package away from the body
- D. Avoid reaching over the sterile field
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To maintain sterility when preparing a sterile field, it is essential to avoid reaching over the sterile field. This action can introduce contaminants from the nurse's clothing or unsterile areas, compromising the sterility of the field. Placing sterile items around the sterile field (choice A) is incorrect as it may increase the risk of contamination by extending the area where non-sterile items may come in contact. Keeping hands below waist level (choice B) is also incorrect as it does not prevent contamination effectively. Opening the sterile package away from the body (choice C) is incorrect since it exposes the contents to the nurse's body, which is not sterile.
What is the most appropriate nursing action when a patient on anticoagulant therapy develops sudden, severe back pain?
- A. Administer pain medication
- B. Apply a cold compress to the back
- C. Assess for signs of internal bleeding
- D. Reposition the patient for comfort
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient on anticoagulant therapy experiences sudden, severe back pain, the priority nursing action is to assess for signs of internal bleeding. Severe back pain in this context could be indicative of internal bleeding, such as a retroperitoneal bleed, which is a critical condition requiring immediate attention. Administering pain medication or applying a cold compress may mask or delay the identification of a potentially life-threatening situation. Repositioning the patient for comfort is not the priority when internal bleeding needs to be ruled out.
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, what is the most important instruction the nurse should give the client regarding post-operative care at home?
- A. Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least a week.
- B. Follow a low-fat diet.
- C. Monitor the incision sites for signs of infection.
- D. Resume normal activities as tolerated.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring the incision sites for signs of infection is crucial after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Infections can lead to serious complications if not detected early. While avoiding heavy lifting and following a low-fat diet are important aspects of recovery, monitoring for infection takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's immediate post-operative well-being. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it addresses the most critical aspect of post-operative care.
The PN is assisting the recreational director of a long-term care facility to plan outdoor activities for wheelchair-bound older residents who are mentally alert. Which activity meets the physical and social needs of these residents?
- A. An open-air concert
- B. A tea party in the courtyard
- C. A team ring-toss competition
- D. A picnic in the park
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A tea party in the courtyard is the most suitable activity as it allows for social interaction in a comfortable and accessible environment. Wheelchair-bound residents can easily participate, fostering both physical and social engagement. An open-air concert may pose challenges regarding accessibility and comfort for wheelchair-bound individuals. A team ring-toss competition involves physical activity that may not be inclusive for all residents, especially those in wheelchairs. A picnic in the park may also present challenges related to accessibility and comfort for wheelchair-bound individuals.
The UAP is caring for a male resident of a long-term care facility who has an external urinary catheter. Which finding should the PN instruct the UAP to report immediately?
- A. Swollen and discolored penile shaft
- B. Prepuce extends over the head of the penis
- C. Leaking urine around the top of the catheter
- D. Moist and excoriated perineal skin folds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Swollen and discolored penile shaft. Swelling and discoloration of the penile shaft may indicate an infection or other complications requiring immediate attention. Prompt reporting allows for timely intervention to prevent further harm to the client. Choice B is incorrect because the prepuce extending over the head of the penis is not an urgent issue. Choice C, leaking urine around the catheter, may require intervention but is not as urgent as the swelling and discoloration described in choice A. Choice D, moist and excoriated perineal skin folds, also needs attention but is not as concerning as the potential complications indicated by the findings in choice A.