The nurse comes onto shift. Which client should be assessed first?
Anxious client awaiting a procedure reporting new onset of chest pressure
Angry client dissatisfied with the room and demands to speak to the unit director
Status post surgical client complaining of pain 4/10 at a large incision site
Client admitted with a bowel obstruction who has nausea and vomiting
The Correct Answer is A
A. Anxious client awaiting a procedure reporting new onset of chest pressure: New chest pressure in a client can indicate acute myocardial ischemia or another life-threatening cardiac event. Immediate assessment and intervention are critical to ensure patient safety, making this the highest-priority client. Prompt recognition of potential cardiac compromise is essential to prevent deterioration.
B. Angry client dissatisfied with the room and demands to speak to the unit director: While addressing patient concerns and complaints is important for patient satisfaction and communication, this situation is non-urgent and does not pose an immediate threat to the client’s physiological stability.
C. Status post-surgical client complaining of pain 4/10 at a large incision site: Moderate pain requires timely management to promote comfort and recovery; however, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition. Pain management is important but secondary to acute chest pain.
D. Client admitted with a bowel obstruction who has nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting need assessment and intervention to prevent complications such as dehydration, but unless accompanied by signs of hemodynamic instability or electrolyte imbalance, this is less urgent than acute chest pain signaling potential cardiac compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Right direction: The RN clearly communicates the task (obtain a blood sugar), the specific parameters for reporting results (if below 70 or above 300), and important patient-specific instructions (use the left arm due to dialysis access). This precise instruction exemplifies the right direction, ensuring the UAP understands what is expected and when to notify the RN.
B. Right person: While assigning the task to a UAP implies consideration of the appropriate staff member, the scenario does not provide details about the UAP’s competence, experience, or scope of practice. Therefore, the right person is not explicitly verified in this step.
C. Right supervision: Supervision involves the RN monitoring, evaluating, and providing guidance throughout or after task completion. In this case, the RN only instructs the UAP and specifies reporting criteria but does not describe ongoing supervision, this right is not fully addressed.
D. Right circumstance: The right circumstance involves considering patient stability, complexity of care, and context of the work environment. While the instruction accounts for a dialysis access site, the overall patient condition and risk factors are not fully addressed in this step, the right circumstance is only partially considered.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Apply the sensor to the client's sternum: The sternum is not a reliable site for standard pulse oximetry because it lacks a strong pulsatile arterial signal. Reflectance sensors can be used on the chest in specific settings, but this is generally less accurate for routine oxygen saturation monitoring compared with peripheral sites with good perfusion.
B. Place the sensor on the client's right index finger: The right index finger is the typical site for pulse oximetry; however, in this client with peripheral vascular disease, slow capillary refill and a weak pulse indicate poor perfusion. Using this site could produce inaccurate readings, including falsely low SpO₂ values or signal loss, making it inappropriate in this situation.
C. Apply the sensor to the client's right great toe: The toe can sometimes be used if upper extremities are unavailable, but peripheral vascular disease may also compromise perfusion in the lower extremities, especially in the presence of arterial disease. This could also result in unreliable readings.
D. Place the sensor on the client's earlobe: The earlobe provides a site with more consistent perfusion that is less affected by peripheral vascular disease. It is suitable for pulse oximetry in patients with weak or compromised distal pulses, allowing accurate measurement of oxygen saturation while bypassing poorly perfused fingers or toes.
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