While providing care to a group of patients, which patient should the nurse prioritize seeing first?
- A. A patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea
- B. A bedridden patient with a reddened area on the buttocks who needs to be turned
- C. A patient on bed rest with renal calculi who needs to go to the bathroom
- D. A patient post-knee surgery who needs range of motion exercises
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize seeing the patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea first. This patient is at higher risk for deep vein thrombosis due to prolonged bed rest, which can lead to a life-threatening embolus. Chest pain and dyspnea could also indicate a potential pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. The other patients, while requiring care, do not present with symptoms that suggest an immediate life-threatening situation, making them lower priority at this time. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it addresses a potentially critical condition that requires immediate attention.
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A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?
- A. A client unaware of her recent cancer diagnosis asks the nurse if she has cancer, and the nurse responds affirmatively.
- B. The nurse avoids discussing the client's diagnosis to prevent emotional distress.
- C. The nurse provides a vague answer about the client's condition.
- D. The nurse promises to provide information only if it is requested by the client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Veracity involves telling the truth, a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates veracity by responding honestly when the client directly asks about her cancer diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding discussing the diagnosis to prevent emotional distress does not align with veracity and transparency. Choice C is incorrect as providing a vague answer does not uphold the principle of truthfulness. Choice D is incorrect because promising to provide information only upon client request does not address the immediate question about the cancer diagnosis and lacks transparency.
A client has a closed wound drainage system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Avoid pressing the container down to create a vacuum
- B. Wear sterile gloves while handling the drainage system
- C. Reset the container with the drainage port closed
- D. Maintain the drain in a dependent position to facilitate drainage
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a closed wound drainage system, it is essential to maintain the drain in a dependent position to allow for proper drainage. Gravity aids in the flow of drainage, preventing fluid backflow or pooling. Avoiding pressing the container down to create a vacuum (Choice A) is crucial as it can lead to complications in the system. Wearing sterile gloves (Choice B) is important for infection control when handling the drainage system. Resetting the container with the drainage port closed (Choice C) is incorrect as it can cause spillage and contamination of the surrounding area.
A client has C-diff infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Give the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene.
- B. Remove the protective gown first when exiting the client's room.
- C. Use alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client.
- D. Initiate contact precautions when providing client care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate contact precautions when providing client care. C-diff (Clostridium difficile) is highly contagious, and contact precautions are necessary to prevent its spread. Giving the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene (Choice A) is not specific to managing C-diff. Removing the protective gown first when exiting the client's room (Choice B) may increase the risk of contaminating oneself and the environment. Using alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client (Choice C) is not sufficient to prevent the transmission of C-diff, as soap and water are more effective against this particular pathogen.
A nurse in a provider's office is preparing to assess a young adult client's musculoskeletal system as part of a comprehensive physical examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Concave thoracic spine posteriorly
- B. Exaggerated lumbar curvature
- C. Concave lumbar spine posteriorly
- D. Exaggerated thoracic curvature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When assessing a young adult's musculoskeletal system, the nurse should expect an exaggerated lumbar curvature (lordosis). This is a normal finding in young adults due to the natural curvature of the spine. Concave thoracic spine posteriorly (choice A) and concave lumbar spine posteriorly (choice C) are not typical findings as the spine should have normal curvatures. Exaggerated thoracic curvature (choice D) is also not a typical finding in young adults.
A client reports insomnia. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform shortly before bedtime?
- A. Provide a late supper
- B. Offer a wet washcloth for the client to wash their face
- C. Perform range of motion exercises
- D. Prepare a hot cocoa or tea for the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering a wet washcloth for the client to wash their face is a soothing and calming activity that can help the client relax before bedtime, promoting better sleep. Providing a late supper can lead to indigestion and disrupt sleep. Performing range of motion exercises may increase alertness rather than promoting relaxation. Preparing a hot cocoa or tea containing caffeine close to bedtime can interfere with falling asleep.