An older adult client arrives to the emergency department after experiencing two days of fever, nausea, and vomiting. The client gives the nurse a bag of home medications and reports a history of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with an onset of blurred vision. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Establish mental status baseline.

Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

Check the accuracy of medication list.

Obtain a capillary blood glucose level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While establishing a mental status baseline is important for assessing the client's overall neurological condition and any potential changes in consciousness or cognition, it is not the immediate priority in this case.
B.   Inserting a urinary catheter might be necessary for monitoring urine output, especially if there are concerns about fluid balance or kidney function. However, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario unless there are signs of urinary retention or output issues.
C.   Checking the accuracy of the medication list is important for understanding the client's current treatment regimen and any possible drug interactions or errors. However, this action does not directly address the urgent symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision, which could be indicative of a more immediate medical issue.
D.   Given the client’s history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the presenting symptoms, obtaining a capillary blood glucose level is the most critical and immediate intervention. The symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision can be associated with hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The Z-track technique helps to prevent medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue and minimizes irritation by sealing the medication in the muscle. This is especially important for medications that are known to cause irritation or staining, such as iron supplements or some antipsychotics
B. The length of the needle is not directly related to the use of the Z-track technique. The Z-track method is used to minimize irritation and ensure that the medication is deposited in the muscle rather than leaking into the subcutaneous tissue.
C. The reason for using the Z-track technique is related to preventing irritation and ensuring proper medication delivery, rather than simply following a prescription.
D. The volume of medication is not the primary reason for using the Z-track technique. While the Z-track method can be used for administering larger volumes of medication, the technique's primary purpose is to prevent leakage and reduce tissue irritation.

A. Add the second portion of the feeding before the syringe is completely empty. B. Use 25 mL of water between the two portions of the feeding to flush the GT. C. Raise the syringe barrel higher to increase the flow rate of the bolus feeding. D. Flush the tube with 50 mL of water between the two portions of the feeding.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This instruction is not recommended because adding the second portion of the feeding before the syringe is empty can lead to inconsistent feeding rates and potential complications, such as overloading the stomach with too much formula at once.
B. Flushing the GT with water between portions of feeding is a good practice to prevent clogging and to ensure that all formula is delivered. However, 25 mL of water is generally not enough; standard practice typically involves using 30 to 60 mL of water for effective flushing. This option is close but not as specific as the recommended volume.
C. Raising the syringe barrel can increase the flow rate of the feeding, but this approach should be used with caution. Rapid flow can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or cramping. The primary focus should be on ensuring proper flushing and administration rather than manipulating the flow rate in this way.
D. This option is the best practice because flushing the GT with 50 mL of water between portions of the feeding helps to clear any remaining formula from the tube and prevents clogging. Proper flushing also helps ensure that the entire dose of formula is delivered and maintains tube patency.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is teaching another nurse about the administration of medication using the Z track technique. Which is the primary reason for using a Z track technique to administer a medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

At 2000, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports several client problems to the nurse who is working on a medical unit. Which client needs the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?

The electronic medication system alerts the nurse that the medication dose scanned for the client is two times higher than the dose prescribed. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse has agreed to serve as a client's advocate at the meeting of the hospital ethics committee, which was called to address an ethical dilemma involving the client. To successfully represent the client, what action is essential for the nurse to take?

While turning a client who recently suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the nurse assesses for pressure areas and skin breakdown. The skin over the sacral area is intact with non- blanchable redness. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for this immobile client?

A client started a 24-hour urine collection several hours ago. The client tells the nurse that the last voiding was accidentally flushed instead of saved in the container. Which intervention should the nurse initiate?