Which of the following actions is most appropriate for reducing the risk of infection during the post-operative period?
- A. Flush the central line with heparin at least every four hours
- B. Administer narcotic analgesics as needed
- C. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory
- D. Order a high-protein diet for the client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action to reduce the risk of infection during the post-operative period is to remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory. Urinary catheters can serve as a source of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the bladder or urethra. By removing the catheter promptly once the client is mobile, the risk of infection can be minimized. Option A, flushing the central line with heparin, is not directly related to reducing urinary tract infections. Option B, administering narcotic analgesics as needed, is important for pain management but does not directly address infection prevention. Option D, ordering a high-protein diet, may be beneficial for wound healing but does not specifically target infection risk reduction in the post-operative period.
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Patients exhibiting signs of cyanosis will:
- A. show signs of hyperoxia.
- B. have increased O2 saturation.
- C. have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from low blood oxygen levels. When a patient exhibits cyanosis, it indicates that their blood is poorly oxygenated, leading to a higher concentration of CO2 compared to oxygen. Options A and B are incorrect as cyanosis is associated with low oxygen levels, not hyperoxia or increased O2 saturation. Therefore, the correct answer is that patients exhibiting cyanosis will have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
The Rule of Nines is used to:
- A. determine the amount of the body surface that has been burned
- B. assess the level of oxygen saturation in a body that has been burned.
- C. determine the level of tissue damage that has occurred in a burn.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Rule of Nines is used to assess the amount of body
surface that has been burned. Most body areas are divided out based
on 9%, with the exception of the genitalia, which is only 1%.
While performing CPR, a healthcare provider encounters a client with a large amount of thick chest hair when preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). What is the next appropriate action for the healthcare provider?
- A. Apply the pads to the chest and provide a shock
- B. Wipe the client's chest down with a towel before applying the pads
- C. Shave the client's chest to remove the hair
- D. Do not use the AED
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When using an AED, it is crucial for the pads to have good contact with the skin to effectively deliver an electrical shock. While AED pads can adhere to a client's chest even with some hair, thick chest hair can hinder proper current conduction. In such cases, it is recommended to shave the area of the chest where the pads will be applied. Most AED kits include a razor for this purpose. The healthcare provider should act promptly to minimize delays in defibrillation. Option A is incorrect because it may lead to ineffective treatment due to poor pad adherence. Option B is not the best course of action as wiping the chest may not resolve the issue of poor pad contact. Option D is incorrect as not using the AED could jeopardize the client's chance of survival in a cardiac emergency.
A nurse caring for a client diagnosed with pertussis is ordered to maintain droplet precautions. Which of the following actions of the nurse upholds droplet precautions?
- A. Assign the client to stay in a negative-pressure room
- B. Use sterilized equipment when sharing between this client and another person with pertussis
- C. Wear a mask if coming within 3 feet of the client
- D. Both A and C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a client requiring droplet precautions, it is essential for the nurse to wear a mask when within 3 feet of the client. This practice helps prevent the transmission of droplet particles that may be produced when the client coughs or sneezes. Assigning the client to a negative-pressure room is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless specifically indicated for airborne precautions. Using sterilized equipment when sharing between clients with pertussis is important for infection control but does not directly relate to droplet precautions. Therefore, the correct action to uphold droplet precautions in this scenario is to wear a mask when coming within close proximity to the client.
Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?
- A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- B. Embolic stroke
- C. Sexual abuse
- D. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bruising around the breasts and genitals should trigger concern for sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a growing problem in America, and nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize and intervene on behalf of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), major types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. In this scenario, given Madge's age, history of dementia, and the presence of unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, sexual abuse must be considered as a major concern. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a platelet disorder that presents with excessive bruising and bleeding, but it is less likely in this case as the bruising pattern is suggestive of a different cause. Embolic stroke is a neurological condition that typically presents with sudden onset neurological deficits and is not related to the observed bruising. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is a common issue in elderly residents but would not manifest as bruising in specific areas like the breasts and genitals.