A nurse is caring for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 6 hours. The nurse should identify that which of the following assessments is the priority?
Auscultate the client's bowel sounds.
Measure the client's temperature.
Check the client's urine specific gravity.
Obtain the client's serum potassium level.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D.
Choice A rationale:
“Auscultate the client’s bowel sounds.” While auscultating bowel sounds can provide information about the client’s gastrointestinal function, it is not the priority assessment for a client who has been vomiting and experiencing diarrhea for the past 6 hours.
Choice B rationale:
“Measure the client’s temperature.” Measuring the client’s temperature can help identify if the client has an infection, which could be causing the vomiting and diarrhea. However, it is not the priority assessment in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
“Check the client’s urine specific gravity.” Checking the client’s urine specific gravity can provide information about the client’s hydration status. However, it is not the priority assessment for a client who has been vomiting and experiencing diarrhea for the past 6 hours.
Choice D rationale:
“Obtain the client’s serum potassium level.” This is the correct answer. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant loss of electrolytes, including potassium. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can have serious effects, including cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, obtaining the client’s serum potassium level is the priority assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer is: d. "Clients are the experts on their own pain."
Explanation: The charge nurse's response acknowledges the client's self-report of pain, which is considered the most reliable indicator of pain presence and intensity. This approach emphasizes the importance of individualized pain management and respects the client's autonomy.
Statement a. is wrong because the nurse is suggesting an intervention without assessing the client's pain or consulting the healthcare provider. Although nonpharmacological interventions may be appropriate, they should be discussed with the client and provider before making decisions.
Statement b. is wrong because withholding prescribed medication without a valid reason or consultation with the healthcare provider is inappropriate and could result in inadequate pain management.
Statement c. is wrong because contacting mental health services for a consultation based on the assumption that the client is seeking drugs may be premature and overlook the client's reported pain. A thorough assessment and discussion with the healthcare provider should precede any consultation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The National League for Nursing (NLN) focuses on nursing education standards and resources for nursing faculty. While it could provide useful insights, it's not the primary resource for policy creation related to procedures like catheter insertion.
Choice B rationale:
The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) is a professional organization that promotes leadership and education within nursing. While it might offer recommendations, it's not the primary resource for policy related to procedural changes in clinical settings.
Choice C rationale:
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is involved in research and quality improvement initiatives in healthcare. While it could provide evidence-based practices, it's not the primary source for policies specific to nursing procedures.
Choice D rationale:
The State Nurse Practice Act (NPA) outlines the scope of nursing practice within a particular state. It governs what nurses are allowed to do, including procedures like catheter insertion. The NPA ensures that nursing actions are within legal and regulatory bounds, making it the most relevant resource for creating a policy about catheter insertion.
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