A nurse is assessing an elderly patient who has just been admitted to the medical-surgical unit with significant abdominal ascites.
The patient is alert and oriented, walks independently at home, and usually uses a cane but forgot to bring it to the hospital.Which measures should the nurse prioritize?
Implementing a bleeding precaution protocol
Implementing a skin safety protocol
Implementing a sodium restriction diet
Implementing a fall risk protocol
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While bleeding precautions are important in certain conditions, they may not be the priority for a patient with significant abdominal ascites. Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, is often caused by liver disease such as cirrhosis.
Choice B rationale
Skin safety protocols are important for all patients, but they may not be the priority in this case. Ascites can cause discomfort and other complications, but it does not directly cause skin problems.
Choice C rationale
A sodium restriction diet can be beneficial for patients with ascites, as it can help reduce fluid accumulation. However, this measure may not be the priority in this case.
Choice D rationale
Implementing a fall risk protocol should be prioritized. The patient’s significant abdominal ascites could affect their balance and mobility, increasing their risk of falls. Furthermore, the patient usually uses a cane for support but forgot to bring it to the hospital, further increasing their fall risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While nutrition is important for recovery, consuming 35% of meals for 12 hours is not an immediate concern. The patient’s nutritional status can be addressed after more urgent issues are resolved.
Choice B rationale
Bedrest for 3 days post-surgery is not uncommon. While prolonged bedrest can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis, it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
A last bowel movement 2 days ago is not necessarily a concern unless the patient is experiencing discomfort or other symptoms of constipation. This can be addressed after more urgent issues are resolved.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Pain in the lower extremities following surgery could indicate a serious condition such as a blood clot. It is important to address this first to rule out any serious complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a client reports chills and back pain during a blood transfusion, and their blood pressure is 80/64 mm Hg, the nurse’s first action should be to stop the infusion of blood. These symptoms could indicate an acute intravascular hemolytic transfusion reaction, and the greatest risk to the client is injury from receiving additional blood.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the laboratory is an important step in managing a transfusion reaction, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a urine specimen could be part of the overall assessment of the client’s condition, but it is not the first action that should be taken when a client is experiencing a potential transfusion reaction.
Choice D rationale
Informing the provider is an important step when a client is experiencing a reaction to a blood transfusion, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
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