What is the best way to assess a patient's respiratory function after surgery?
- A. Check oxygen saturation
- B. Auscultate lung sounds
- C. Check for abnormal breath sounds
- D. Check skin color
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check oxygen saturation. This is because checking oxygen saturation provides a direct measure of how well the patient is oxygenating post-surgery. It helps healthcare providers assess if the patient is receiving enough oxygen to meet their body's needs. Auscultating lung sounds (choice B) is important to assess respiratory function but may not provide an immediate indication of oxygenation status. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (choice C) is relevant but does not directly assess oxygenation levels. Checking skin color (choice D) can provide some information about oxygenation, but it is not as precise or direct as measuring oxygen saturation.
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When digitally evacuating stool from a client with a fecal impaction, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Insert a lubricated gloved finger and advance along the rectal wall
- B. Apply lubricant and stimulate peristalsis
- C. Apply pressure to the abdomen to assist with the removal
- D. Increase fluid intake before the procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action when digitally evacuating stool from a client with a fecal impaction is to insert a lubricated gloved finger and advance along the rectal wall. This technique helps prevent trauma and is the appropriate method for addressing fecal impaction. Choice B is incorrect as stimulating peristalsis will not directly assist in evacuating the impacted stool. Choice C is incorrect as applying pressure to the abdomen is not the recommended method for stool evacuation. Choice D is incorrect as increasing fluid intake does not directly aid in digitally evacuating the stool.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL
- B. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
- C. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
- D. Serum albumin level of 3.8 g/dL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range and indicates hypokalemia, which should be reported to the provider. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not require immediate reporting. A blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not critically high. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is within the normal range. A serum albumin level of 3.8 g/dL is also within the normal range.
A client is receiving discharge teaching for a new prescription of warfarin. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will need to increase my intake of leafy green vegetables.
- B. I will avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking warfarin.
- C. I will have my INR checked regularly.
- D. I will take my medication at the same time each day.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients on warfarin therapy need to have their International Normalized Ratio (INR) checked regularly to monitor the medication's effectiveness and prevent complications like clotting or bleeding. Option A is incorrect because increasing leafy green vegetables can affect INR levels due to their vitamin K content. Option B is incorrect as grapefruit juice is not a significant concern with warfarin. Option D is important for medication adherence but does not specifically address the monitoring aspect required for warfarin therapy.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the professional report to the provider?
- A. Blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL
- B. Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
- C. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
- D. Platelet count of 250,000/mm³
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a complication that should be reported in clients receiving TPN. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac and neuromuscular complications. The other options are within normal ranges and do not indicate immediate concerns for a client receiving TPN. A blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL, serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L, and platelet count of 250,000/mm³ are all considered normal values and do not require immediate intervention.
What is the most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall?
- A. Assess the patient for injuries
- B. Call for help
- C. Document the fall
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall is to assess the patient for injuries. This is critical to identify any potential harm or underlying issues that may require immediate attention. Calling for help and notifying the healthcare provider are important steps, but assessing the patient's condition takes precedence to ensure prompt and appropriate care. Documenting the fall is also necessary but should follow the initial assessment and care provided to the patient.