When assessing a client with a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit, the nurse notes that the client's skin over the sternum 'tents' when gently pinched. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Confirm the finding by further assessing the client for jugular vein distention.
- B. Offer the client high-protein snacks between regularly scheduled mealtimes.
- C. Continue the planned nursing interventions to restore the client's fluid volume.
- D. Change the plan of care to include interventions for impaired skin integrity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When the nurse observes that the client's skin over the sternum 'tents' when gently pinched, it is a classic sign of fluid volume deficit. The appropriate action for the nurse in this situation is to continue the planned nursing interventions aimed at restoring the client's fluid volume. This finding reinforces the need to address the fluid deficit and support the client's recovery.
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Which intervention is most important when caring for a client with a chest tube?
- A. Keep the drainage system at chest level.
- B. Ensure that the chest tube is clamped at all times.
- C. Strip the chest tube every shift.
- D. Ensure that the chest tube is connected to a water-seal drainage system.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most crucial intervention when caring for a client with a chest tube is to ensure that the chest tube is connected to a water-seal drainage system (D). This system helps maintain proper lung expansion and prevents complications. Keeping the drainage system at chest level (A) is important to facilitate drainage, but not as critical as ensuring the connection to the drainage system. Clamping the chest tube (B) is unnecessary and can lead to serious issues. Stripping the chest tube (C) is an outdated practice and can cause harm rather than benefit.
Before administering a client's medication, the nurse assesses a change in the client's condition and decides to withhold the medication until consulting with the healthcare provider. After consultation with the healthcare provider, the dose of the medication is changed, and the nurse administers the newly prescribed dose an hour later than the originally scheduled time. What action should the nurse take in response to this situation?
- A. Notify the charge nurse that a medication error occurred.
- B. Submit a medication variance report to the supervisor.
- C. Document the events that occurred in the nurse's notes.
- D. Discard the original medication administration record.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse acted appropriately by withholding the medication, consulting with the healthcare provider, and administering the newly prescribed dose, albeit with a delay. The correct course of action for the nurse is to document all these events in the nurse's notes. Documenting the sequence of actions taken is crucial for maintaining an accurate record of the client's care, ensuring transparency, and providing essential information for future reference and continuity of care.
A healthcare professional stops at a motor vehicle collision site to render aid until the emergency personnel arrive and applies pressure to a groin wound that is bleeding profusely. Later, the client has to have the leg amputated and sues the healthcare professional for malpractice. What is the most likely outcome of this lawsuit?
- A. The Patient's Bill of Rights protects clients from malicious intents, so the healthcare professional could lose the case.
- B. The lawsuit may be settled out of court, but the healthcare professional's license is likely to be revoked.
- C. There will be no judgment against the healthcare professional, whose actions were protected under the Good Samaritan Act.
- D. The client will win because the four elements of negligence (duty, breach, causation, and damages) can be proved.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Good Samaritan Act protects healthcare professionals who provide care in good faith and offer reasonable assistance in emergencies. This law shields them from malpractice claims, even if the outcome for the client is unfavorable. Therefore, in this scenario, the healthcare professional is likely to be protected from judgment under the Good Samaritan Act.
A community hospital is opening a mental health services department. Which document should the nurse use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines?
- A. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- B. ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretative Statements
- C. ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
- D. Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice are essential guidelines for nursing practice in various specialties, including mental health. The document outlines the expectations and responsibilities of nurses in providing high-quality care within their specific practice areas. In the context of opening a mental health services department, using the Scope and Standards specific to psychiatric-mental health nursing would ensure that the unit's nursing guidelines align with best practices and professional standards in mental health care.
A male client presents to the clinic stating that he has a high-stress job and is having difficulty falling asleep at night. The client reports having a constant headache and is seeking medication to help him sleep. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine the client's sleep and activity pattern
- B. Obtain a prescription for the client to take when stressed
- C. Refer the client for a sleep study and neurological follow-up
- D. Teach coping strategies to use when feeling stressed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Teaching coping strategies is an appropriate first intervention for a client experiencing sleep difficulties and stress. It can help manage stress and improve sleep without immediately resorting to medication. By teaching coping strategies, the nurse empowers the client to address the underlying issues contributing to his sleep problems rather than just providing a temporary solution. Referring for a sleep study and neurological follow-up may be considered later if the client's sleep issues persist despite implementing coping strategies.
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