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.
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What intervention should the PN implement when taking the rectal temperature of an adult client?
- A. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a water-based gel.
- B. Gently insert the thermometer 1 inch into the rectum.
- C. Hold the thermometer in place the entire time while taking the temperature.
- D. Place the client in the left lateral position.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When taking a rectal temperature, it is essential to hold the thermometer in place the entire time to ensure safety, accuracy, and prevent the thermometer from slipping out. Choice A, lubricating the tip of the thermometer with a water-based gel, is important for comfort and ease of insertion. Choice B, gently inserting the thermometer 1 inch into the rectum, is more accurate for adults than inserting it 3 inches. Choice D, placing the client in the left lateral position, is not necessary for a rectal temperature measurement.
When assisting an older male client recovering from a stroke to ambulate with a cane, where should the nurse place the cane in relation to the client's body?
- A. In front of the body to lean on while stepping forward
- B. On the opposite side of the affected extremity
- C. Approximately one foot away from the body to stabilize balance
- D. On the same side as the affected extremity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'On the opposite side of the affected extremity.' Placing the cane on the opposite side of the affected extremity provides maximum support and stability during ambulation for a client recovering from a stroke. This positioning helps to offload weight from the affected side and improves balance. Choice A is incorrect because placing the cane in front of the body can lead to incorrect weight distribution and instability. Choice C is incorrect as placing the cane one foot away from the body may not provide adequate support and can compromise balance. Choice D is incorrect as placing the cane on the same side as the affected extremity does not offer the necessary balance and support needed for safe ambulation.
A Native American client is admitted with a diagnosis of psychosis not otherwise specified. The client's family seems to regard the client's hallucinations as normal. What assessment can be made?
- A. The client's family regards the hallucinations from a cultural context
- B. The client will benefit from a talking circle
- C. The client will need a medicine man
- D. The client will need a single room
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because the family may interpret the client's hallucinations through their cultural lens, potentially viewing them as normal or spiritually significant. Understanding and acknowledging the cultural context is essential for providing culturally sensitive care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while talking circles and seeking guidance from a medicine man may be culturally relevant interventions in some contexts, the priority in this situation is to recognize and respect the family's perspective on the client's hallucinations.
During a fire incident in a long-term care facility's kitchen, which task is most crucial for the PN to perform instead of delegating to UAP?
- A. Close the doors to all residents' rooms
- B. Offer comfort and reassurance to each resident
- C. Identify the method for transporting and evacuating each resident
- D. Provide blankets to each resident for use during evacuation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a fire emergency, the most critical task for the PN is to identify the method for transporting and evacuating each resident. This task ensures a safe and organized evacuation plan, which is essential for everyone's safety. Delegating this responsibility to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) may lead to errors or delays in the evacuation process. Closing doors to residents' rooms (Choice A) can help contain the fire but is not as urgent as planning the evacuation. While offering comfort and reassurance (Choice B) is important, it should not take precedence over ensuring a safe evacuation. Providing blankets (Choice D) is helpful but does not directly address the primary concern of safely evacuating residents.
An 8-year-old is placed in 90-90 traction for a fractured femur resulting from a motor vehicle collision. Which finding requires further action by the PN?
- A. No bowel movement for two days
- B. Mother assists child in changing positions
- C. Weights are touching the foot of the bed
- D. Child is able to move the toes freely when tickled
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In 90-90 traction, it is crucial to ensure that the weights are not touching the foot of the bed as this can disrupt the effective application of traction. This interference can hinder the proper alignment of the fractured femur and impede the healing process. Therefore, this finding requires immediate action to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to the proper application of traction and do not pose a risk to the patient's treatment or well-being. No bowel movement for two days may indicate constipation but does not directly relate to the traction. Mother assisting the child in changing positions is a supportive action. The child being able to move the toes freely when tickled indicates neurological function, which is a positive sign.