When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Place the client in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure.
- B. Insert a suction catheter before brushing the teeth.
- C. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water.
- D. Brush the client's teeth while they are in a supine position.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When providing oral care for an unconscious client, it is essential to place them in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure. This positioning helps prevent aspiration by allowing fluids to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Inserting a suction catheter before brushing the teeth (Choice B) is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and increase the risk of oral tissue injury. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water (Choice C) is not sufficient for effective oral care as toothpaste helps in removing plaque and bacteria. Brushing the client's teeth while they are in a supine position (Choice D) is not safe as it increases the risk of aspiration since fluids can easily enter the airway in this position.
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The client is receiving discharge instructions for warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
- B. I will have my blood tested regularly to monitor my INR levels.
- C. I will take the medication at the same time every day.
- D. I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent bleeding gums.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clients taking warfarin need to be consistent with their vitamin K intake to maintain a balance in blood clotting. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K is essential as they can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are all correct statements regarding warfarin therapy. Regular blood testing to monitor INR levels ensures the medication is working effectively, taking the medication at the same time daily maintains a consistent level in the bloodstream, and using a soft toothbrush helps prevent gum bleeding due to warfarin's anticoagulant effects.
When reviewing car seat use with the parents of a 1-month-old infant, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Use a car seat that has a three-point harness system.
- B. Position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing.
- C. Secure the car seat in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
- D. Convert to a booster seat after 12 months.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for car seat use with a 1-month-old infant is to position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing. This orientation provides the safest option for infants as it supports their head, neck, and spine. While using a car seat with a three-point harness system is appropriate for infants, placing the car seat in the front passenger seat is not recommended due to the presence of airbags, which can pose a risk to the infant in the event of deployment. Additionally, transitioning to a booster seat is not suitable at 12 months; infants should remain in rear-facing car seats until they outgrow the seat's height or weight limits, typically around 2 years of age.
A nurse is caring for a client who is unstable and has vital signs measured every 15 minutes by an electronic blood pressure machine. The nurse notices the machine begins to measure the blood pressure at varied intervals and the readings are inconsistent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Discontinue the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 minutes.
- B. Adjust the machine settings.
- C. Clean the machine to ensure accuracy.
- D. Increase the frequency of the readings.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should adjust the machine settings. If the electronic blood pressure machine is providing varied intervals and inconsistent readings, it indicates a potential malfunction. Changing the settings may help correct the issue and ensure accurate measurements. Discontinuing the machine and measuring manually every 15 minutes (Choice A) may be time-consuming and impractical. Cleaning the machine (Choice C) is important for routine maintenance but may not address the current issue of varied intervals and inconsistent readings. Increasing the frequency of the readings (Choice D) does not address the problem of inaccurate measurements caused by the malfunctioning machine.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for knee-length anti-embolic stockings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Remove the client's stockings at least once during each shift
- B. Roll the top of the client's stockings down to just below the knee
- C. Seat the client in a chair for 30 minutes prior to applying stockings
- D. Measure the length of the client's leg from the heel to the gluteal fold
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to remove the client's stockings at least once during each shift. This is important to inspect the skin and prevent complications such as pressure injuries or impaired circulation. Rolling the top of the stockings down can compromise their effectiveness in preventing blood clots. Seating the client in a chair prior to applying stockings is not directly related to the care of anti-embolic stockings. Measuring the length of the client's leg from the heel to the gluteal fold is not necessary for the application or care of knee-length anti-embolic stockings.
A client who has a new prescription for warfarin (Coumadin) is receiving discharge instructions. Which statement indicates the client understands the teaching?
- A. I will take my warfarin at the same time every day.
- B. I should increase my intake of green leafy vegetables.
- C. I should use a soft-bristled toothbrush while taking this medication.
- D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I should use a soft-bristled toothbrush while taking this medication.' Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is crucial as it helps prevent bleeding gums, which is a potential side effect of warfarin therapy. Option A about taking warfarin at the same time every day is a good practice but does not directly relate to preventing side effects. Option B suggesting an increase in green leafy vegetables can interfere with warfarin's anticoagulant effects due to their vitamin K content. Option D advising to avoid alcohol is generally recommended but is not directly related to the specific side effects of warfarin.