When assisting a client to obtain a sputum specimen, the nurse observes the client cough and spit a large amount of frothy saliva in the specimen collection cup. What action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Advise the client that suctioning will be used to obtain another specimen
- B. Re-instruct the client in coughing techniques to obtain another specimen
- C. Provide the client a glass of water and mouthwash to rinse the mouth
- D. Label the container and place the container in a biohazard transport bag
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After observing the client cough and produce frothy saliva in the collection cup, the nurse should provide the client with a glass of water and mouthwash to rinse the mouth. This action helps clear the mouth of contaminants, ensuring a more accurate sputum specimen for diagnostic testing. Option A is incorrect because suctioning is not the appropriate next step in this situation. Option B is unnecessary as re-instructing the client in coughing techniques may not address the immediate issue of contaminated saliva in the specimen. Option D is premature since labeling and transporting the container should only be done after obtaining a valid specimen.
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The nurse is assessing a newborn and notes that the infant has a yellowish tint to the skin. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Reassure the parents that this is normal
- B. Monitor the infant's bilirubin levels
- C. Increase the frequency of feedings
- D. Administer phototherapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a newborn presents with a yellowish tint to the skin, it can indicate jaundice, which is caused by elevated bilirubin levels. Monitoring the infant's bilirubin levels is crucial to assess the severity of jaundice and determine the need for further intervention. Reassuring the parents without proper assessment could lead to delayed treatment if jaundice is present. Increasing the frequency of feedings may not address the underlying cause of jaundice. Administering phototherapy is a treatment option that should be based on bilirubin level assessment and healthcare provider's recommendation.
How should the nurse respond to an older male client who states that his religion does not permit him to bathe daily?
- A. Review the importance of hygienic measures for improved health
- B. State that the healthcare provider has prescribed a bath today
- C. Offer the client several choices of times to bathe during the day
- D. Request that the client clarify his religious beliefs about bathing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is to offer the client several choices of times to bathe during the day. This approach respects the client's religious beliefs while ensuring that hygienic practices are still maintained. By providing options, the nurse can work together with the client to find a solution that aligns with both his beliefs and his health needs. Choice A is incorrect because solely reviewing the importance of hygiene may not address the client's specific religious concerns. Choice B is inappropriate as it disregards the client's beliefs and autonomy. Choice D is not the best approach as it may come off as confrontational or dismissive of the client's beliefs, rather than working collaboratively to find a suitable solution.
Before administration of a stat dose of potassium chloride IV for a client with hypokalemia, what is the most important action for the nurse?
- A. Ensure the IV is flowing freely
- B. Mix the medication thoroughly
- C. Check the client's electrolyte levels
- D. Obtain a baseline ECG
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse before administering a stat dose of potassium chloride IV to a client with hypokalemia is to ensure the IV is flowing freely. A freely flowing IV is essential to safely and effectively deliver potassium chloride, helping to prevent infusion-related issues. Checking the client's electrolyte levels or obtaining a baseline ECG may be important but are not the most critical actions before administering the medication. Mixing the medication thoroughly is not applicable in this scenario as potassium chloride is typically provided ready to use.
The nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which position should the nurse avoid?
- A. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees
- B. Positioning the client in the prone position
- C. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position
- D. Elevating the client's legs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client in the prone position. Placing the client in the prone position should be avoided in a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as it can further raise ICP. The prone position can hinder venous return and increase pressure within the cranial vault, potentially worsening the client's condition. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees helps promote venous drainage and reduce ICP. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position can also assist in reducing ICP by optimizing cerebral perfusion. Elevating the client's legs can help improve venous return and maintain adequate cerebral blood flow, making it a suitable positioning intervention for managing increased ICP.
A nurse in a pediatric unit is preparing to administer medication to a child. What should the nurse do to ensure the correct dosage?
- A. Check the child's weight
- B. Verify the medication order with a pharmacist
- C. Consult the child's parents
- D. Double-check the dosage calculations with another nurse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When administering medication to children, it is crucial to ensure the correct dosage to prevent dosing errors. Double-checking the dosage calculations with another nurse can help verify the accuracy of the prescribed dose, reducing the risk of medication errors. While checking the child's weight (Choice A) is important for dosage calculation, it alone may not ensure the correctness of the dosage. Verifying the medication order with a pharmacist (Choice B) is essential, but it may not directly address the accuracy of dosage calculations. Consulting the child's parents (Choice C) is not a standard practice for verifying medication dosages and should not be solely relied upon for ensuring the correct dosage.