A nurse is performing telephone triage at the clinic office. Which client has the most acute problem and should be scheduled for the first available appointment?
A 21-year-old with a history of a kidney transplant. Today the client reports "flu-like" symptoms with a fever of 100.4° F (38° C).
A 42-year-old male who hurt his back while lifting yesterday. Today he has non radiating, low-back pain rated at 10 on a scale of 0 to 10.
A client at 3-weeks gestation who today noted a small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper after passing stool.
A 2-year-old girl with a history of a "cold." Today she is tugging on her ear and has a fever of 102 F (38.9° C).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: The client with a kidney transplant experiencing "flu-like" symptoms can be evaluated for urgency but may not require the first available appointment.
Choice B rationale: The client with non-radiating, low-back pain rated at 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 should be assessed, but it may not be an immediate concern compared to the other options.
Choice C rationale: The client at 3-weeks gestation with a small amount of bright red blood after passing stool requires evaluation, but it may not be as urgent as the client in Choice D.
Choice D rationale: The 2-year-old girl with a history of a "cold," tugging on her ear, and a fever of 102 F (38.9° C) may have an ear infection, which could be an acute problem requiring prompt evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The client post triple coronary bypass with serosanguinous drainage in one chest tube requires attention but is not the highest priority based on the information provided.
Choice B rationale: The client with diabetic ketoacidosis and a blood glucose level of 195 mg/dl (10.8 mmol/L) needs immediate attention due to the elevated glucose level but the client with a pneumothorax and low oxygen saturation takes precedence.
Choice C rationale: The client with an Ileal conduit and scant blood in the drainage pouch is a concern but not as urgent as the client with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice D rationale: The client with a pneumothorax has a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. A pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicates hypoxia, which can lead to organ damage and death.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The nurse can delegate urinary catheter irrigations to the PN, as this is a skill that can be performed by a licensed nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).
Choice B rationale: Initiating teaching for client care after discharge is within the scope of a registered nurse and may not be delegated to a practical nurse.
Choice C rationale: Beginning initial sterile wound care for surgical clients may fall under the scope of a registered nurse or other licensed staff, not necessarily a practical nurse.
Choice D rationale: Receiving a postoperative client and conducting the assessment also requires the RN's critical thinking and clinical skills.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.