Which task should be delegated to the licensed practical nurse?
- A. Administering heparin subcutaneously
- B. Feeding the client with a percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy tube
- C. Removing a peripherally inserted central line
- D. Monitoring chest tube drainage
- E. Performing tracheostomy care
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale: LPNs can administer subcutaneous heparin (A), feed via PEG tube (B), monitor chest tubes (D), and perform tracheostomy care (E). Removing a PICC line (C) requires RN-level expertise due to potential complications.
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A client had abdominal surgery this morning. The nurse notices that there is a small amount of bloody drainage on his surgical dressing. The nurse would document this as what type of drainage?
- A. Serosanguinous
- B. Purulent
- C. Sanguinous
- D. Catarrhal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drainage from a surgical incision is initially sanguinous, proceeding to serosanguinous, and then to serous.
A 78-year-old female client has a total hip arthroplasty. Her nurse should know that which of the following is contraindicated?
- A. Encourage exercises in the unaffected extremities.
- B. Encourage her to cross and uncross her legs.
- C. Check neurological and circulatory status of the affected leg hourly.
- D. Place a trochanter roll along the upper thigh of the affected leg.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exercising the unaffected extremities will prevent contractures and emboli. Crossing and uncrossing the affected leg after surgery can dislocate the joint. Neurological and circulatory status of the affected leg has been compromised by surgery. Hourly checks are needed to monitor the status of the leg. A trochanter roll will prevent the upper thigh from rolling outward, increasing the chances of dislocation.
A client develops an intestinal obstruction postoperatively. A nasogastric tube is attached to low, intermittent suction with orders to 'Irrigate NG tube with sterile saline q1h and prn.' The rationale for using sterile saline, as opposed to using sterile water to irrigate the NG tube is:
- A. Water will deplete electrolytes resulting in metabolic acidosis.
- B. Saline will reduce the risk of severe, colicky abdominal pain during NG irrigation.
- C. Water is not isotonic and will increase restlessness and insomnia in the immediate postoperative period.
- D. Saline will increase peristalsis in the bowel.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Water is a hypotonic solution and will deplete electrolytes and cause metabolic acidosis when used for nasogastric irrigation. Irrigating with saline does not cause abdominal discomfort. Severe, colicky abdominal pain is a symptom of intestinal obstruction. Irrigating with water will not cause restlessness or insomnia in the postoperative client. Restlessness and insomnia can be emotional complications of surgery. A nasogastric tube placed in the stomach is used to decompress the bowel. Irrigating with saline ensures a patent, well-functioning tube. Irrigating with saline will not increase peristalsis.
The physician has ordered an intravenous infusion of Pitocin for the induction of labor. When caring for the obstetric client receiving intravenous Pitocin,the nurse should monitor for:
- A. Maternal hypoglycemia
- B. Fetal bradycardia
- C. Maternal hyperreflexia
- D. Fetal movement every thirty minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pitocin (oxytocin) can cause uterine hyperstimulation leading to reduced placental perfusion and fetal bradycardia (heart rate <110 bpm). Monitoring for fetal bradycardia is critical. Hypoglycemia hyperreflexia and fetal movement frequency are not directly related to Pitocin complications.
A 1-year-old child is to receive an IM injection ordered by his pediatrician. He has fallen asleep in his mother's arms when the nurse approaches. Which approach is most appropriate at this time?
- A. Give the injection in the vastus lateralis site before the child awakens.
- B. Awaken the child first and give the injection in the ventrogluteal site.
- C. Awaken the child first and give the injection in the dorsogluteal site.
- D. Ask the mother to place the child on the examination table and leave the room, and then give the injection in an appropriate site.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If awakened first, the child will know that nothing painful will be done without the child being alerted. The ventrogluteal site is a safe site for children because it is a large muscle free of major nerves and blood vessels. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended in children who have not been walking for at least 1 year because the muscle is not fully developed. The parent will be able to offer support and comfort during and after the injection.
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