In assigning client care to a nurse and a practical nurse (PN), it is most important to assign which client to the nurse?
The client two days post-thyroidectomy and is unable to speak clearly due to laryngeal nerve damage.
The client newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and who is to receive the first dose of levothyroxine.
The client with diabetes and has an elevated serum glycosylated Hgb (Hgb A1C).
The client exhibiting signs of Addison's crisis after corticosteroids were discontinued.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: This client has a potential airway obstruction and needs close monitoring by the nurse. Laryngeal nerve damage can cause vocal cord paralysis, which can lead to respiratory distress and aspiration.
Choice B Reason: This client needs education on the medication and its side effects, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that replaces deficient hormones in hypothyroidism.
Choice C Reason: This client needs ongoing management of diabetes, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Glycosylated Hgb (Hgb A1C) is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past three months.
Choice D Reason: This client has a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment with corticosteroids, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Addison's crisis is a severe form of adrenal insufficiency that causes hypotension, shock, and electrolyte imbalance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the acuity level of the clients reflects their complexity and intensity of care needs. The higher the acuity level, the more time and resources are required to provide safe and quality care. The charge nurse should consider the acuity level of the clients when determining the appropriate nurse-to-client ratio and staffing needs.
Choice B Reason: The physicians' plans to perform procedures on the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not directly affect the nursing workload or staffing requirements. The charge nurse should coordinate with the physicians and other departments to ensure that the procedures are scheduled and performed safely and efficiently.
Choice C Reason: The number of clients leaving the unit for diagnostic tests is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not indicate the level of care that the clients need or receive. The charge nurse should ensure that the clients are prepared and accompanied for their tests and that their care is continued and monitored on their return.
Choice D Reason: The skill level of the personnel staffing the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not reflect the actual demand or supply of nursing care. The charge nurse should assign and delegate tasks according to the personnel's skill level and scope of practice but also consider other factors such as client acuity, availability, and preference.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the first action because it does not address the safety risk of smoking in the hospital. The nurse should document the occurrence after taking appropriate measures to prevent fire and injury.
Choice B Reason: This is not the first action because it does not stop the client from smoking in the bathroom. The nurse should obtain a prescription for a nicotine patch if the client agrees to quit smoking, but this is not a priority at this time.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first action because it does not ensure that the client will comply with the hospital smoking policy. The nurse should educate the client about the health hazards of smoking and the hospital rules, but this can be done later.
Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it alerts the authority figure who can intervene and enforce the hospital smoking policy. The nurse should notify the charge nurse as soon as possible to prevent fire and injury.
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