Which task could the PN safely delegate to the UAP?
- A. Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast
- B. Assessment of the placement and patency of a NG tube
- C. Participation in staff rounds to record notes regarding client goals
- D. Evaluation of a client's incisional pain following narcotic administration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because oral feeding of a child is a task that can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). This task involves providing basic care and does not require specialized nursing skills. Choices B, C, and D involve assessments, recording client goals, and evaluating pain, respectively, which all require specialized nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills. These tasks are not within the scope of practice for a UAP.
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The PN is reviewing instructions for the use of pilocarpine eye drops with a client who has glaucoma. The client replies that the drops are used to anesthetize the eye if eye pain is experienced. What action should the PN implement?
- A. Document in the chart that the client understands the correct action and use of eye drops
- B. Reassure the client that the drops will not be needed often since eye pain in glaucoma is not common
- C. Reteach the client about the action of the eye drops to decrease pressure in the eyes
- D. Explain to the client that the eye drops do not anesthetize the eyes but reduce pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pilocarpine eye drops are used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma, not to anesthetize the eye. The PN should reteach the client about the purpose of the medication to ensure proper use and understanding, which is crucial for effective treatment. Choice A is incorrect because just documenting understanding without addressing the client's misconception is not enough. Choice B is incorrect as it provides incorrect information about the purpose of the eye drops and may lead to further misunderstanding. Choice D is incorrect as it provides inaccurate information stating that the drops provide pain relief, which is not their primary purpose.
A post-operative client is recovering from a total knee replacement and is prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). What is the primary advantage of PCA for managing post-operative pain?
- A. It allows for consistent pain control without overmedication.
- B. It eliminates the need for oral pain medication.
- C. It reduces the risk of opioid addiction.
- D. It requires less monitoring by nursing staff.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary advantage of PCA for managing post-operative pain is that it allows the client to control the administration of pain medication, leading to consistent pain control without overmedication. Choice B is incorrect as PCA does not eliminate the need for oral pain medication; it supplements it. Choice C is incorrect because while PCA can help reduce opioid consumption, it does not directly reduce the risk of opioid addiction. Choice D is incorrect as PCA actually requires close monitoring by nursing staff to ensure proper use and prevent complications.
The home health nurse suspects elder abuse after observing fresh lacerations on the arms and legs of an older adult male client who lives with his daughter. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Document the lacerations in the client's record
- B. Report findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services
- C. Ask the daughter who has been taking care of the client on a daily basis
- D. Apply dry dressings after cleansing the wounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In cases where elder abuse is suspected, the most critical action for the nurse to take is to report the findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services. This step is essential to protect the client from further harm and ensure their safety. Documenting the lacerations, as suggested in choice A, is important but not as urgent as ensuring immediate intervention by reporting the abuse. Asking the daughter for information, as in choice C, may not be effective if she is the abuser. Applying dressings, as in choice D, is a lower priority compared to taking action to address the suspected abuse.
The mother of a 9-month-old child diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) yesterday calls the clinic to inquire if it will be all right to take her infant to a friend's child's first birthday party the following day. Which response should the nurse provide?
- A. Do not expose other children as the virus is very contagious even without direct contact
- B. The child will no longer be contagious, no need to take any further precautions
- C. The child can be around other children but should wear a mask
- D. Make sure there are no children under the age of 5 months around the infected child
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is A: 'Do not expose other children as the virus is very contagious even without direct contact.' RSV is highly contagious, especially in young children. Allowing the infected child to attend a birthday party can put other children at risk of contracting the virus. Choice B is incorrect as RSV can remain contagious for a period of time. Choice C is not sufficient, as wearing a mask may not entirely prevent the spread of the virus. Choice D is inaccurate, as children under 5 months are not the only ones susceptible to RSV; all young children are at risk.
A client post-thoracotomy is complaining of severe pain with deep breathing and coughing. What should the nurse encourage the client to do to manage the pain and prevent respiratory complications?
- A. Hold a pillow against the chest while coughing (splinting).
- B. Take shallow breaths to avoid pain.
- C. Increase the dose of pain medication.
- D. Avoid deep breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Splinting the chest with a pillow helps manage pain during deep breathing and coughing, which is essential to prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia after thoracic surgery. Holding a pillow against the chest while coughing (splinting) supports the incision site and reduces the pain associated with deep breathing and coughing. Encouraging shallow breaths (Choice B) can lead to respiratory complications due to inadequate lung expansion. Increasing pain medication (Choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders and not solely for this situation. Avoiding deep breathing exercises (Choice D) can worsen respiratory function and increase the risk of complications.