A nurse is caring for a client.

Click on the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Nurses' Notes

1500:

Client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Client is 4 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Surgical site has a small amount of serosanguineous drainage on dressing. Dressing is intact. Client reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. Lung sounds are diminished in posterior lobes. Bowel sounds are hypoactive in all 4 quadrants. Last bowel movement was this morning.

1730:

Client is restless and short of breath. Reports pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. Pain medication administered.

Vital Signs

1730:

• Temperature 37.2° C (98.9° F)
• Blood pressure 168/84 mm Hg
• Heart rate 116/min
• Respiratory rate 24/min
• Oxygen saturation 93% on room air

Choice A reason:
Placing the wasted portion of the controlled substance in the sharp container is not correct. Wasted controlled substances should be disposed of according to specific regulations and facility protocols.
Choice B reason:
Asking a second nurse to record her signature when wasting an unused portion of the controlled substance is not a standard practice. The process for wasting controlled substances usually involves following specific documentation procedures, but this does not necessarily require a second nurse's signature.
Choice C reason:
Over-verifying the count total of the controlled substance after removing the amount needed is not a standard practice. It's important to maintain accurate records and documentation, but additional verification of the count total may not be necessary in this context.
Choice D reason:
Reporting any discrepancy in the count total of the controlled substance after administration is the appropriate action. When administering a controlled substance, it is important to accurately account for the medication before and after administration. Any discrepancy in the count of the controlled substance should be reported and documented according to facility policy. This helps ensure proper tracking and accountability of controlled substances, which is crucial for maintaining patient safety and preventing potential diversion or misuse.

Choice A reason:
A. Place the tourniquet below the proposed insertion site.
When preparing to insert an IV catheter, placing the tourniquet below the proposed insertion site helps facilitate venous distension, making it easier to locate and access a suitable vein for catheter insertion.
Choice B reason:
Placing the extremity in a dependent position (lower than the heart) can increase venous pressure and make it more difficult to insert the catheter.
Choice C reason:
Choosing the most proximal site on the extremity is not always necessary or appropriate. Veins distal to the proposed insertion site should be considered first, as they tend to be smaller and less accessible.
Choice D reason:
Applying a cool compress is not typically done before IV catheter insertion. It might cause vasoconstriction and make it more difficult to access a suitable vein.