A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for four clients. The nurse should recognize that which of the following clients is the priority?
A client who is scheduled for a tubal ligation in 2 hr and is crying.
A client who has peripheral vascular disease and has an absent pulse in the right foot.
A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and needs the first dressing change for an ulcer.
A client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and has an axillary temperature of 38°C (100.4°F).
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A client who is scheduled for a tubal ligation in 2 hr and is crying. Rationale: While the emotional well-being of this client is important, the absence of pulse in the right foot of the client in choice B indicates a potentially critical vascular issue that requires immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
A client who has peripheral vascular disease and has an absent pulse in the right foot. Rationale: The correct choice. An absent pulse in a client with peripheral vascular disease suggests compromised blood flow and potential tissue ischemia. This is a critical situation that requires urgent intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice C rationale:
A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and needs the first dressing change for an ulcer. Rationale: While dressing changes are important, they are not as time-sensitive as addressing compromised blood flow and potential tissue damage seen in choice B.
Choice D rationale:
A client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and has an axillary temperature of 38°C (100.4°F). Rationale: Although an elevated temperature can be concerning, the absence of a pulse in a peripheral vascular disease client (choice B) takes precedence as it suggests a more immediate threat to the client's limb and overall health.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse's first priority in the event of a fire is the safety and well-being of the clients. Clients who are in immediate danger due to the fire should be assisted to a safe location as quickly as possible. This choice is supported by the principles of prioritizing client safety during emergencies.
Choice B rationale:
Closing doors and windows on the unit is a secondary action and comes after ensuring the safety of clients in immediate danger. While it can help contain the fire's spread, it should not be the nurse's first action, as it does not address the immediate risk to clients' lives.
Choice C rationale:
Attempting to extinguish the fire using an ABC fire extinguisher might be a consideration in emergency situations; however, the nurse's first responsibility is to ensure the safety of clients. The nurse should not put themselves or clients at risk by attempting to extinguish the fire before moving clients to safety.
Choice D rationale:
Discontinuing oxygen use for clients who can breathe without it is not the nurse's primary action during a fire emergency. While it's important to manage resources, such as oxygen, the immediate focus should be on evacuating clients from the danger zone.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Determining the swallowing ability of a client who has had a stroke requires clinical judgment and assessment skills that fall within the scope of a registered nurse's practice. This task involves assessing potential risks and complications related to the client's condition.
Choice B rationale:
Providing an enteral feeding to a client who has Crohn's disease is within the scope of an LPN's practice. LPNs are trained to administer enteral feedings and manage stable clients with chronic conditions, such as Crohn's disease, under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Choice C rationale:
Developing a teaching plan for a client with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus involves comprehensive assessment, education, and planning. This task requires the expertise of a registered nurse, as it encompasses various aspects of disease management and requires tailored education based on individual client needs.
Choice D rationale:
Weighing a client who is 3 days postoperative following coronary artery bypass grafting involves monitoring for postoperative complications and assessing the client's stability. This task requires clinical judgment and the ability to recognize potential issues, making it more appropriate for a registered nurse to perform.
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