A nurse has received change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?
A client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating
A client who fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
A client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum
A client who has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because a client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating has a potential complication of wound dehiscence or separation of the surgical incision that can lead to evisceration or protrusion of the internal organs. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention and notification of the provider.
Choice B reason: This is not a priority client to attend to because a client who fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 has a stable condition that can be managed with analgesics, ice packs, or elevation as prescribed. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, location, and quality and provide comfort measures as needed.
Choice C reason: This is not a priority client to attend to because a client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum has an expected finding that indicates normal secretion clearance and respiratory function. The nurse should monitor the client's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and breath sounds and provide tracheostomy care as prescribed.
Choice D reason: This is not a priority client to attend to because a client who has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools has an expected finding that indicates infection of the colon by bacteria that produce toxins that cause inflammation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The nurse should implement contact precautions, collect stool samples for testing, and administer antibiotics as prescribed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging fluids is not appropriate for a client with heart failure. Clients with heart failure often experience fluid overload due to the heart’s inability to pump effectively, leading to fluid retention.Encouraging additional fluid intake can exacerbate this condition, worsening symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.
Choice B rationale:
Measuring vital signs every 8 hours may not be frequent enough for a client with heart failure, especially if they are experiencing acute symptoms.More frequent monitoring is often necessary to detect changes in the client’s condition promptly and to manage symptoms effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining weight weekly is not sufficient for a client with heart failure. Daily weight monitoring is crucial as it helps in detecting fluid retention early.Sudden weight gain can indicate worsening heart failure and the need for adjustments in treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Allowing frequent rest periods is essential for clients with heart failure. These clients often experience fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance due to reduced cardiac output.Frequent rest periods help in managing fatigue and preventing overexertion, which can worsen heart failure symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This question does not assess the quality of the pain, but the intensity or severity of the pain.
Choice B reason: This question assesses the quality of the pain, which is how the client describes or characterizes the pain, such as sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, etc.
Choice C reason: This question does not assess the quality of the pain, but the presence or absence of pain.
Choice D reason: This question does not assess the quality of the pain, but the consistency or variability of pain.
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