An older client recently transferred to a rehabilitation facility after aortic valve replacement surgery is experiencing anxiety and difficulty adjusting to the transition. The healthcare provider prescribes an antidepressant and a mild sedative for sleep. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Obtain a blood pressure reading before the client gets out of bed.

Monitor and record the client's urinary output every day.

Provide the client with teaching regarding a cardiac diet.

Assess the client's vital signs every 4 hours when awake.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A: Obtain a blood pressure reading before the client gets out of bed. This is the most important intervention, as it can prevent or detect orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing position from lying to standing. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, or falls, and it can be caused by medications, dehydration, or cardiac problems.

Choice B: Monitor and record the client's urinary output every day. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The urinary output should be monitored for signs of fluid balance, kidney function, or infection, but it is not a priority for this client.

Choice C: Provide the client with teaching regarding a cardiac diet. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The cardiac diet should be taught to promote heart health, lower cholesterol, and reduce sodium intake, but it is not a priority for this client.

Choice D: Assess the client's vital signs every 4 hours when awake. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The vital signs should be assessed for signs of infection, pain, or hemodynamic instability, but they are not a priority for this client.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A: Remove the catheter and palpate the client's bladder for residual distention. This is not the best action, as it may cause discomfort and trauma to the client. The catheter should not be removed until the bladder is fully emptied or up to 1,000 mL of urine is drained, as removing it too soon may cause urinary retention or infection.

Choice B: Remove the catheter and replace with an indwelling catheter. This is not the best action, as it may cause unnecessary exposure and trauma to the client. The catheter should not be replaced unless ordered by the healthcare provider, as replacing it may increase the risk of infection or urethral injury.

Choice C: Allow the bladder to empty completely or up to 1,000 mL of urine. This is the best action, as it can prevent bladder spasms, overdistention, or rupture. The nurse should monitor the urine output and color, and document the amount and characteristics of urine drained.

Choice D: Clamp the catheter for thirty minutes and then resume draining. This is not the best action, as it may cause pain and discomfort to the client. The catheter should not be clamped unless ordered by the healthcare provider, as clamping it may increase the risk of infection or bladder damage.

A. Notify the healthcare provider. B. Prepare a continuous heparin infusion per protocol. C. Provide supplemental oxygen. D. Bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should prioritize interventions that address the client's immediate needs, such as oxygenation and circulation.

Choice B reason: Preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is an appropriate action for preventing further clot formation and reducing the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition before administering anticoagulant therapy.

Choice D reason: Bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is a prudent action, but not the first one. The nurse should prepare for possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac arrest, but should first attempt to prevent it by providing oxygen and other supportive measures.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Two days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is being urgently transported to radiology for a Computerized Tomography (CT scan) after a sudden decrease in level of consciousness. The client is orally intubated and has a left lateral chest tube to 20 cm suction. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

The nurse is providing education to a client who experiences recurrent episodes of moderate anxiety to situations. In addition to information about prescribed medication and administration, which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?

Which statement should the home health nurse include during a routine home visit for a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter?

A client is being discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which instruction should the nurse provide this client regarding diet?

The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a practical nurse (PN). Which nursing action(s) should the nurse assign to the PN? (Select all that apply.)