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 has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools
A client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating
A client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum
A client who fell 12 hr ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B, a client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating. This client requires immediate attention as a separating incision can indicate wound dehiscence or evisceration, which are surgical emergencies. Choice A is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention. Choice C is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition. Choice D is incorrect because the client fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which indicates a low level of pain.
Choice A: A client who has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention.
Choice C: A client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition.
Choice D: A client who fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is incorrect because the level of pain is low and does not require immediate attention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Recent exposure to tuberculosis. This is the priority data that the nurse should address as it puts other clients and hospital staff at risk of contracting tuberculosis. Options B, C, and D are not urgent and can be addressed after addressing option A.
Reasons why the other options are not answers:
Option B: A history of generalized anxiety disorder is not an urgent issue that requires the nurse's immediate attention.
Option C: Reports periodic migraine headaches are not an urgent issue that requires the nurse's immediate attention.
Option D: Experiencing nocturia is not an urgent issue that requires the nurse's immediate attention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer is: d. Reposition the client.
Explanation: Repositioning the client can help alleviate pain by redistributing pressure and promoting comfort. Since the client's pain level is relatively low (2 on a scale of 0 to 10), this non-pharmacological intervention is an appropriate initial action.
Choice a. is wrong because maintaining the client on bed rest is not an appropriate action for a pain level of 2. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to mobilize and perform appropriate exercises to prevent complications related to immobility.
Choice b. is wrong because applying a warm, moist compress to the incision area might not be the best action for a client who is 24 hours postoperative, as it could increase the risk of infection and cause discomfort. Cold compresses are often used in the initial postoperative period to reduce swelling and promote comfort.
Choice c. is wrong because administering an additional dose of pain medication is not necessary at this point, as the client's pain level is relatively low. The nurse should consider non-pharmacological interventions first and reassess the client's pain level to determine the need for further pain relief.
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