A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with an external fixator to the left tibia.
Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
The client's capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.
The client reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site.
The client has an oral temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F).
The client has 100 mL of blood in the closed-suction drain.
The Correct Answer is A
“The client’s capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.” Capillary refill time is the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure has been applied to the skin.

A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
A capillary refill time of 6 seconds indicates poor blood flow to the left toe and requires immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice B is not the correct answer because while a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site is concerning, it does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice C is not the correct answer because an oral temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F) is only slightly elevated and does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice D is not the correct answer because while 100 mL of blood in a closed-suction drain may be concerning, it does not necessarily require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because it shows that the client is aware of the importance of reducing their risk of infection by taking precautions when handling pet waste.

Choice A is wrong because while increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed is a healthy dietary choice, it does not demonstrate an understanding of the discharge teaching for a client with AIDS.
Choice B is wrong because while cleaning up areas soiled with body fluids is important, using alcohol and immediately disposing of the trash is not necessary.
Choice D is wrong because taking clothes to the dry cleaners to sterilize them is not necessary for a client with AIDS.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should plan to insert a large-bore nasogastric tube for a client who has upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a peptic ulcer.

This allows for gastric lavage and can help diagnose the source of bleeding.
Choice A is wrong because a 22-gauge IV line may be too small for rapid fluid resuscitation.
Choice B is wrong because ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice C is wrong because nitroprusside is a vasodilator used to treat hypertensive emergencies and is not typically used for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
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