A nurse is caring for a client who has a Jackson-Pratt drain in place after surgery for an open reduction and internal fixation. The nurse should understand that the JP drain was placed for which of the following purposes?

Choice A reason: Taking aspirin while on prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can cause stomach irritation, and combining it with aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can exacerbate this effect. Therefore, clients should avoid taking aspirin for minor aches and pains while on prednisone.

Choice B reason: A sore throat is not a common side effect of prednisone. Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making clients more susceptible to infections, but it does not typically cause a sore throat within the first week of use. If a client experiences a sore throat, they should contact their healthcare provider as it may indicate an infection.

Choice C reason: Clients on prednisone should avoid live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, within one week of starting the medication. Prednisone can weaken the immune system, reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine and increasing the risk of developing the illness the vaccine is meant to prevent. It is generally recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before receiving any vaccines while on prednisone.

Choice D reason: Prednisone can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Eating more bananas, which are high in potassium, can help counteract this effect and maintain normal potassium levels. Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Therefore, clients should increase their intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas while taking prednisone.

Choice A reason:

The statement “The nurse identifies a broken piece of equipment” is important for safety and should be reported to the appropriate department for repair or replacement. However, it does not typically require an incident report unless the broken equipment caused harm or had the potential to cause harm to a patient. Incident reports are generally used to document events that are not consistent with the routine operation of the healthcare unit or the standard care of a patient.

Choice B reason:

The statement “The nurse has a disagreement with the nursing supervisor about inadequate staffing” reflects an internal issue that should be addressed through appropriate channels, such as a staff meeting or a discussion with human resources. It does not typically require an incident report unless the disagreement led to a situation that compromised patient safety or care. Incident reports are meant to document events that directly affect patient care and safety.

Choice C reason:

The statement “A staff member does not show up to work her assigned shift” is a staffing issue that should be managed by the nursing supervisor or the staffing coordinator. While it can affect the workflow and staffing levels, it does not usually require an incident report unless it directly impacts patient care or safety. Incident reports are used to document specific events that deviate from standard care practices and have the potential to harm patients.

Choice D reason:

The statement “A client discovers that his dentures are missing” is a situation that requires an incident report. The loss of a client’s personal belongings, especially something as essential as dentures, can significantly impact the client’s well-being and quality of care. Documenting this incident helps to investigate the circumstances, prevent future occurrences, and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address the client’s needs. Incident reports are crucial for tracking and addressing issues that affect patient care and safety.