A nurse is receiving report on a group of clients. Using the ABCDE priority framework which f the following clients should the nurse see first?
A client who has early dementia and awoke confused to their location this morning
A client who is scheduled for discharge and has a 38.4 C (101.1 F) temperature this morning
A client who has pneumonia and has developed wheezing
A client who is postoperative and has a urine output of 50 mL for the past 3 h
The Correct Answer is C
A) A client who has early dementia and awoke confused to their location this morning:
Confusion in a client with early dementia could indicate a range of possible causes, such as infections, medication side effects, or changes in routine. However, while this warrants investigation, confusion alone does not represent an immediate life-threatening situation according to the ABCDE priority framework. The focus is on managing airway, breathing, circulation, and disability issues first.
B) A client who is scheduled for discharge and has a 38.4°C (101.1°F) temperature this morning:
A fever may indicate infection, which would require further assessment and potentially treatment. While this is a concern, it does not immediately threaten the client's airway, breathing, or circulation. Since the client is not in an acute crisis and is scheduled for discharge, this would be a lower priority compared to clients with more urgent issues like breathing problems or insufficient urine output.
C) A client who has pneumonia and has developed wheezing:
Wheezing indicates potential airway constriction, which could impair the client's breathing. Given that breathing difficulties are a primary concern in the ABCDE priority framework (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure), this client requires immediate attention. Pneumonia combined with wheezing can signify a worsening respiratory condition, which poses an acute risk to the client's oxygenation and overall stability.
D) A client who is postoperative and has a urine output of 50 mL for the past 3 hours:
Oliguria (low urine output) postoperatively is concerning, as it may indicate kidney dysfunction, hypovolemia, or other complications. While it is an important issue that requires attention, it is not immediately life-threatening unless the client shows signs of worsening shock or kidney failure. However, given that this issue does not immediately affect the client’s airway or breathing, it is a lower priority than the client with pneumonia and wheezing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Decreased peripheral pulses:
Increased body temperature typically causes vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction, leading to improved blood flow rather than decreased. As a result, peripheral pulses are more likely to be normal or even increased in response to fever. Decreased peripheral pulses would be more indicative of conditions like shock or hypoperfusion, not fever.
B) Heart rate 108/min:
Fever causes an increase in metabolic demand, which often results in a compensatory increase in heart rate (tachycardia). This phenomenon, known as "fever tachycardia," occurs as the body attempts to circulate blood more rapidly to meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands caused by elevated body temperature. A heart rate of 108 beats per minute is a normal response to fever, particularly when the temperature reaches 39°C (102.27°F).
C) Respiratory rate 10 breaths/min:
A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is considered bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing), which is typically not associated with fever. Fever usually leads to an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body attempts to cool itself through increased evaporation of sweat and breathing. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min is more likely to be seen in conditions like drug overdose, head injury, or respiratory depression, rather than fever.
D) Dilated pupils:
Dilated pupils (mydriasis) are typically associated with sympathetic nervous system activation, which can be caused by certain drugs, trauma, or neurological conditions. Fever, however, generally causes only mild changes in pupil size and is more likely to lead to constricted pupils (miosis) in response to certain stress hormones. Dilated pupils are not a typical finding with fever.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Use hot water so rinse hand sanitizer off:
Using hot water is not recommended when performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based sanitizers do not require rinsing off, as they are designed to evaporate quickly, killing germs as they dry. Rinsing with water, especially hot water, can dilute the sanitizer, reducing its effectiveness. Hands should be left to dry naturally after applying the sanitizer.
B) Dry hands with a reusable towel:
While towels can be used for drying hands after washing with soap and water, they should not be used after alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol hand sanitizers should be allowed to air dry on the hands. Using a towel could reintroduce contaminants and diminish the effectiveness of the sanitizer. Ideally, hands should be rubbed together until they are dry without the need for any towel.
C) Rub hands together for 20 seconds:
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing germs in a short amount of time—usually within 20 seconds or less. However, the correct technique for using alcohol-based hand sanitizers involves rubbing hands together until they are completely dry, not for a full 20 seconds as one might with handwashing. The important factor is ensuring the sanitizer has covered all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers and around nails, before allowing it to air dry.
D) Rub hand sanitizer around rings on fingers:
Rubbing the hand sanitizer around rings is a necessary step. Jewelry, such as rings, can harbor bacteria or other pathogens, making it essential to ensure the sanitizer comes into contact with areas that are often missed during hand hygiene, like around rings. The nurse should rub the hand sanitizer thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands, including around jewelry, to ensure effective hand hygiene.
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