A nurse in a long-term care facility has just received change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?
A client who is receiving an enteral tube feeding and has a blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)
A client who has a spinal cord injury and needs a dressing change
A client who has a temperature of 38.4° C (101.1 F) and appears confused
A client who had a hip arthroplasty and is requesting pain medication
The Correct Answer is C
A. A client who is receiving an enteral tube feeding and has a blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): A mildly elevated blood glucose level is not immediately life-threatening and can be managed after addressing more urgent issues. This client is stable at the moment.
B. A client who has a spinal cord injury and needs a dressing change: While important for preventing infection, a scheduled dressing change is not an immediate threat to the client’s life or health and can be safely performed after more urgent concerns are addressed.
C. A client who has a temperature of 38.4° C (101.1° F) and appears confused: Fever and new-onset confusion suggest a possible infection, such as sepsis or urinary tract infection, especially in older adults. This situation indicates a potential life-threatening condition and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. A client who had a hip arthroplasty and is requesting pain medication: Managing pain is important, but it is not immediately life-threatening. After addressing the client with fever and confusion, attending to the client's pain needs would be appropriate.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I have switched from tobacco cigarettes to electronic cigarettes.": Although electronic cigarettes may reduce exposure to certain harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, they still pose significant health risks. This change does not reflect truly limiting risky behavior but rather substituting one form of risk for another.
B. "Sometimes I am exposed to toxic chemicals at my workplace, but not any that have harmed me.": Exposure to toxic chemicals, even without immediate harm, still represents ongoing risk. A proactive approach would involve using protective equipment or seeking safer work conditions.
C. "Two of my grandparents had diabetes, so I try to eat a healthy diet.": Actively modifying diet in response to a family health history shows a positive, preventative approach and reflects conscious efforts to limit risk-taking behaviors and promote long-term health.
D. "My job and home life are both very stressful, but I haven't been able to do anything about that.": Chronic unmanaged stress is a health risk, and acknowledging stress without taking steps to manage it indicates that the client is not effectively limiting risk behaviors.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Request the family members leave the client's room: Family members may choose to stay if they wish, and they should be allowed to participate or be present during postmortem care if it aligns with their emotional needs or cultural practices. Forcing them to leave is not appropriate unless required for specific procedures.
B. Place dentures in the client's mouth: Placing dentures helps maintain the natural shape and appearance of the face, offering a more familiar and comforting appearance for the family during viewing. This is an important step in preparing the body respectfully.
C. Remove the client's personal hair pieces: Hairpieces should be left in place unless the family or facility policy requests otherwise. Removing them without need can alter the client’s appearance and potentially distress the family.
D. Lower the head of the client's bed: The head of the bed should be elevated slightly, not lowered, to prevent blood from pooling in the head and face, which could cause discoloration and swelling before the family views the body.
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