A homeless client arrives in the emergency room. The client verbalizes an inability to bathe for at least one month. What is the nurse's priority?
Inspect the client's skin
Provide a towel and show the client to the shower
Ask if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently
Call a social worker
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Inspecting the client's skin is the nurse's priority, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Inspecting the client's skin can help identify any signs of infection, injury, or infestation, such as wounds, rashes, ulcers, or lice. The client's skin may be compromised by the lack of hygiene, exposure to the elements, or poor nutrition. The client's skin may also be a source of transmission of pathogens to other clients or staff. Therefore, inspecting the client's skin is essential for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client's condition.
Choice B reason: Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is an important intervention, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client and others. The client may have wounds, rashes, or ulcers that need to be cleaned, dressed, or treated before bathing. The client may also have lice or scabies that need to be isolated and treated with special shampoos or creams before bathing. The client may also need assistance or supervision during bathing, depending on the client's physical and mental status.
Choice C reason: Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is an important question, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and providing a towel and showing the client to the shower. The client's history of homelessness and shelter use may provide some information about the client's social and environmental factors, such as exposure to violence, abuse, or disease, or access to resources, services, or support. However, this information is not as critical as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.
Choice D reason: Calling a social worker is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling a social worker is an important referral, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin, providing a towel and showing the client to the shower, and asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently. The social worker can help the client with the psychosocial and practical aspects of homelessness, such as finding a shelter, applying for benefits, accessing health care, or addressing mental health or substance abuse issues. However, this referral is not as urgent as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: An event that can cause serious injury to a client that should never happen in a hospital is not the best description of a sentinel event, because it is too vague and broad. It does not specify the degree of injury or the nature of the event. It also implies that some events that cause serious injury are acceptable in a hospital, which is not true.
Choice B reason: Specific events that enable a hospital to maximize reimbursement is not a description of a sentinel event, but rather a description of quality indicators or performance measures. These are criteria that reflect the quality of care provided by a hospital and affect its payment from payers. They are not related to sentinel events, which are adverse events that require immediate investigation and response.
Choice C reason: An unexpected event involving death or serious physical or psychological injury is the best description of a sentinel event, because it captures the essence and severity of the event. According to the Joint Commission, a sentinel event is "an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof" . Examples of sentinel events include wrongsite surgery, medication error, suicide, or abduction.
Choice D reason: Operating room event involving the use of unsafe equipment is not a description of a sentinel event, but rather an example of a potential sentinel event. It is not a general definition that applies to all sentinel events, but a specific scenario that may or may not result in death or serious injury. It also does not indicate the unexpectedness of the event, which is a key characteristic of a sentinel event.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nociceptive pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Nociceptive pain is caused by the stimulation of nociceptors, which are sensory receptors that detect tissue damage or potential harm. Nociceptive pain is usually localized, sharp, throbbing, or aching. It is associated with injuries such as cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures. The client's pain is not caused by any tissue damage or harm in the distal part of the amputated limb, as there is no tissue left there.
Choice B reason: Neuropathic pain is the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Neuropathic pain is caused by the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, or the brain. Neuropathic pain is usually chronic, burning, shooting, or tingling. It is associated with conditions such as diabetes, shingles, stroke, or amputation. The client's pain is caused by the disruption of the nerve signals from the amputated limb, which creates a phantom sensation of pain in the missing part.
Choice C reason: Cutaneous pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Cutaneous pain is caused by the stimulation of the cutaneous receptors, which are sensory receptors that detect touch, temperature, or pressure on the skin. Cutaneous pain is usually superficial, brief, or pricking. It is associated with stimuli such as pinching, scratching, or cold. The client's pain is not caused by any touch, temperature, or pressure on the skin of the distal part of the amputated limb, as there is no skin left there.
Choice D reason: Visceral pain is not the type of pain that the client is experiencing. Visceral pain is caused by the stimulation of the visceral receptors, which are sensory receptors that detect stretch, inflammation, or ischemia in the internal organs. Visceral pain is usually deep, dull, or cramping. It is associated with conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or bowel obstruction. The client's pain is not caused by any stretch, inflammation, or ischemia in the internal organs of the distal part of the amputated limb, as there are no organs left there.
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