A nurse on a surgical unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following is the priority action of the nurse?
Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating
Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury
Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU
Reinforcing a client’s dressing for the surgical site of an above the knee amputation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating.
Unilateral calf pain in a client who is ambulating can be indicative of a potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that requires prompt assessment and intervention. DVTs are a risk after surgery, and early detection is crucial to prevent complications such as a pulmonary embolism. Assessing the client experiencing calf pain is the priority to determine the cause and initiate appropriate interventions.
B. Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury:
While providing support and reassurance to family members is important, it is not as urgent as assessing a client with potential signs of a DVT.
C. Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU:
While obtaining and implementing orders in a timely manner is important, assessing and addressing a potential DVT takes precedence due to the immediate risk to the client's well-being.
D. Reinforcing a client’s dressing for the surgical site of an above-the-knee amputation:
Dressing reinforcement is important for wound care, but it is not as urgently needed as assessing a client with possible signs of a DVT. The assessment of calf pain takes priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metallic taste in the mouth:
This is not a typical finding of oxygen toxicity. Metallic taste may be associated with other factors but is not a specific indicator of oxygen toxicity.
B. Facial flushing:
Facial flushing is not a typical finding in oxygen toxicity. It is more commonly associated with other conditions, such as certain allergic reactions or vasodilation.
C. Muscle twitching
Muscle twitching, also known as myoclonus, is a recognized symptom of central nervous system oxygen toxicity. High concentrations of oxygen, particularly at increased pressures, can cause neurotoxic effects leading to muscle twitching, dizziness, and even convulsions.
D. Periorbital edema:
Periorbital edema is not a common manifestation of oxygen toxicity. It is more commonly associated with conditions related to fluid balance or kidney function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is adequate, but needs to be given more often.
In a Train-of-four (TOF) assessment, four stimuli are delivered in rapid succession, and the response is observed. The number of twitches in the patient's thumb indicates the degree of neuromuscular blockade. In this case, if the patient's thumb twitches three times, it suggests that there is still some residual neuromuscular blockade, and the paralyzing agent dose is adequate. However, the frequency of administration may need to be increased to maintain the desired level of paralysis or neuromuscular blockade.
B. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is too low and needs to be increased:
This would be indicated if there were fewer than three twitches in response to the TOF assessment.
C. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is appropriate and does not need to be changed:
The response of three twitches suggests that there is still some neuromuscular blockade, so the dose or frequency may need adjustment.
D. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is too high and needs to be reduced:
If there were no twitches or a complete absence of twitches, this might suggest an excessive dose. However, three twitches indicate some degree of neuromuscular blockade.
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