A nurse notices clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned from lumbar spinal surgery. What should be the nurse’s immediate course of action?
Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.
Change the dressing using a compression bandage.
Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.
Document the findings in the electronic medical record.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate course of action when a nurse notices clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned from lumbar spinal surgery. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which contains glucose. If the fluid is positive for glucose, it could indicate a CSF leak, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Changing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate course of action. The source of the fluid needs to be identified first.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate course of action. The source of the fluid needs to be identified first.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is important, but it is not the immediate course of action. The source of the fluid needs to be identified first.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While pallor can indicate various health issues such as anemia or low blood flow, it is not the most crucial finding when planning to provide a complete bed bath to a bedfast client.
Choice B rationale
Right-sided paralysis could affect the client’s ability to assist with the bath and could require special care or positioning. However, it is not the most crucial finding in this context.
Choice C rationale
2+ pitting edema of the feet could indicate fluid overload or poor circulation, but it is not the most crucial finding when planning to provide a complete bed bath.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing while lying flat, is the most crucial finding in this context. If a client has orthopnea, they may need to be positioned in a way that allows them to breathe comfortably during the bath.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A large, non-tender, hardened lymph node without overlying tissue inflammation could indicate malignancy. Lymph nodes may become enlarged or hard due to the presence of cancer cells.
Choice B rationale
While bacterial infections can cause lymph node enlargement, they typically also cause tenderness and overlying skin changes, such as redness or warmth.
Choice C rationale
Viral infections can cause generalized lymph node enlargement, but the nodes are usually tender and not hard.
Choice D rationale
Lymphangitis, or inflammation of the lymphatic channels, typically presents with red streaks on the skin, fever, and tenderness.
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