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 B
Explanation
The correct answer is b. Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status.
Choice A: Assess the client’s incision every 8 hours for the first 48 hours. While it is important to monitor the incision site for signs of infection, the frequency of every 8 hours for the first 48 hours may not be necessary unless specified by the surgeon or the patient’s condition warrants it.
Choice B: Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status. This is the correct answer. After a total hip arthroplasty, it’s crucial to communicate the client’s weight-bearing status to all members of the healthcare team, including assistive personnel. This helps ensure that everyone is aware of the client’s mobility limitations and can assist the client safely.
Choice C: Instruct the client to cross their legs at the ankles when sitting in a chair. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised not to cross their legs to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint.
Choice D: Teach the client’s partner to assist the client to flex the hip at least 120° each hour. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised to avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint1. Therefore, flexing the hip at least 120° each hour could potentially harm the patient.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assigning clients who have had stem cell transplants to the same room is not a recommended practice. Clients with compromised immune systems should be isolated to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Placing them together increases the potential for exposure to infectious agents.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a rectal temperature on clients every 4 hours is not specifically related to caring for clients following stem cell transplants. Vital sign monitoring is essential, but the frequency and method of temperature measurement can vary based on the individual client's condition and clinical judgment.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Wearing an N95 respirator mask while caring for clients following stem cell transplants is important due to their compromised immune systems. These clients are at higher risk of infections, and N95 masks provide enhanced respiratory protection against airborne pathogens.
Choice D rationale:
Placing clients in positive-pressure airflow rooms is not a standard practice for caring for clients following stem cell transplants. Positive-pressure rooms are often used for clients with conditions like immunodeficiency, but stem cell transplant recipients are generally placed in protective isolation rooms to minimize infection risk.
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