How should a nurse document the presence of thick, creamy yellow discharge on a patient’s dressing?

Choice A rationale:

A lactose-free diet does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that does not affect blood clotting or the ability to receive acupuncture safely.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and do not typically cause bleeding. Even if minor bleeding occurs, it is not a concern for individuals without bleeding disorders.

Therefore, a lactose-free diet does not pose a risk for acupuncture.

Choice B rationale:

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the skin. This can cause minor bleeding, even when performed correctly.

In individuals with thrombocytopenia, even minor bleeding can be difficult to control and may lead to excessive bruising or hematoma formation.

Therefore, thrombocytopenia is a contraindication to acupuncture therapy due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.

Choice C rationale:

Herniated lumbar disks are a common condition that can cause back pain. Acupuncture is often used to treat back pain, including pain caused by herniated disks.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with herniated disks.

Therefore, the presence of herniated lumbar disks does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Latex and strawberry allergies are not contraindications to acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, which does not contain latex.

Additionally, acupuncture does not involve the use of strawberries or any other substances that are common allergens. Therefore, latex and strawberry allergies do not pose a risk for acupuncture.

Choice A rationale:

STAT orders are urgent and require immediate action. They are typically used for life-threatening situations or when a rapid response is needed to prevent serious harm. In this case, an EKG is important for patients admitted to the cardiac unit, but it is not necessarily an urgent procedure that requires immediate action in all cases.

STAT orders are often given verbally or over the phone, and they are typically written in all capital letters with the word "STAT" prominently displayed.

Examples of STAT orders include medications for cardiac arrest, intubation for respiratory distress, or emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.

Choice B rationale:

PRN orders are "as needed" orders, meaning they are only carried out when a specific condition or symptom arises. They are not routinely implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting.

PRN orders allow for flexibility in treatment plans and can help to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, or other symptoms that may fluctuate over time.

Examples of PRN orders include pain medication, anti-nausea medication, or sedatives.

Choice C rationale:

One-time orders are administered only once and are not repeated. They are often used for procedures, diagnostic tests, or medications that are not required on an ongoing basis.

In this case, an EKG is typically a one-time order for patients outside of the cardiac unit, but it becomes a standing order for patients admitted to the cardiac unit due to the increased importance of cardiac monitoring in this setting.

Examples of one-time orders include a chest X-ray, a blood draw, or a dose of antibiotics.

Choice D rationale:

Standing orders are routine orders that are implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting, unless otherwise specified. They are designed to provide consistent and standardized care, and they often reflect best practices or guidelines for a specific patient population.

Standing orders can help to streamline care processes, reduce the need for individual orders, and ensure that patients receive necessary treatments or interventions without delay.

In this case, the standing order for an EKG upon admission to the cardiac unit ensures that all patients receive this important cardiac assessment, even if the ordering provider does not specifically write an order for it.

Other examples of standing orders in a cardiac unit might include daily weights, regular vital sign checks, or administration of cardiac medications.