After the change-of-shift report, the practical nurse (PN) makes rounds on a postoperative unit. Which client finding necessitates the Immediate attention of the PN?
An older client whose blood pressure (BP) is 100/70 after receiving meperidine for pain related to a hip fracture.
A client who has pink urine draining from the indwelling urinary catheter following transurethral prostatectomy.
A client who is having bright red drainage from the rectum following a colonoscopy with polyp removal.
A client who has brown-green bile draining from a T-tube after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.
The Correct Answer is C
The client finding that necessitates immediate attention by the practical nurse (PN) is a client who is having bright red drainage from the rectum following a colonoscopy with polyp removal. Bright red rectal bleeding can indicate active bleeding and immediate intervention is required to assess the severity of the bleeding, control the bleeding if possible, and prevent further complications.
A. The older client with a blood pressure of 100/70 after receiving meperidine for pain may require further assessment, but it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition.
B. Pink urine draining from the indwelling urinary catheter following a transurethral prostatectomy may be expected due to the surgical procedure, but it should still be monitored.
D. Brown-green bile draining from a T-tube after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis is also an expected finding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The finding that is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse is the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L. This result indicates an elevated BUN level, which can be indicative of impaired kidney function. In a client receiving chemotherapy, an elevated BUN level may suggest chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity or other kidney-related complications. Prompt reporting is crucial to ensure appropriate intervention and management of the client's kidney function.
B. While the platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 109/L is slightly below the normal reference range, it does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. However, it should still be monitored and reported to the healthcare team for ongoing assessment and evaluation.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes may be an expected side effect of certain chemotherapy medications or a manifestation of neurotoxicity. While this finding should be documented and monitored, it is not as urgent as the elevated BUN level.
D. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they may also be indicative of other underlying issues such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal complications. While this finding should be addressed and managed, it is not the highest priority compared to the elevated BUN level.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
A. This is a client care intervention that the PN can assign to the UAP. Transporting a urine culture sample to the laboratory is a routine and non-invasive task that does not require clinical judgment or skill. The UAP should follow the standard precautions and protocols for handling and labeling the specimen.
E. This is a client care intervention that the PN can assign to the UAP. Emptying the bedside drainage unit for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is a routine and non-invasive task that does not require clinical judgment or skill. The UAP should follow the standard precautions and protocols for emptying, measuring, and recording the urine output.
B. This is not a client care intervention that the PN can assign to the UAP. Obtaining a post-voided residual (PVR) volume is a procedure that requires clinical judgment and skill, as it involves using a bladder scanner or catheterizing the client to measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding. The UAP is not trained or authorized to perform this task, and it should be done by the PN or another licensed nurse.
C.This is not a client care intervention that the PN can assign to the UAP. Teaching the client with fluid restrictions how to measure urine output is an educational activity that requires clinical judgment and skill, as it involves assessing the client's learning needs, providing clear and accurate instructions, and evaluating the client's understanding and compliance. The UAP is not trained or authorized to perform this task, and it should be done by the PN or another licensed nurse.
D.This is not a client care intervention that the PN can assign to the UAP. Irrigating an indwelling urinary catheter for a client with bladder suspension is a procedure that requires clinical judgment and skill, as it involves inserting sterile fluid into the bladder through the catheter to flush out any clots, debris, or bacteria. The UAP is not trained or authorized to perform this task, and it should be done by the PN or another licensed nurse.
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