The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. Which action should the nurse implement immediately?

Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.

Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.

Change the dressing using a compression bandage.

Document the findings in the electronic medical record.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.
This is the correct action. Clear fluid on a dressing after lumbar spinal surgery could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Testing the fluid for glucose is essential because CSF contains glucose, whereas normal wound drainage does not. A positive glucose test would confirm the presence of CSF, indicating a potential complication that requires immediate medical attention.

B. Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.
While monitoring the size of the drainage area can be useful, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first determine whether the clear fluid is CSF.

C. Change the dressing using a compression bandage.
Changing the dressing might be necessary, but using a compression bandage without first identifying the nature of the fluid could be inappropriate and potentially harmful if the fluid is CSF.

D. Document the findings in the electronic medical record.
Documentation is important, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse needs to identify the nature of the fluid first.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide and increased acidity in the blood. Hyperventilation, as described in the scenario, would not lead to respiratory acidosis.
B. Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis by blowing off excessive carbon dioxide, resulting in decreased levels of carbonic acid and increased blood pH.
C. Metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis results from an accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate ions. The scenario does not indicate factors leading to metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to excessive loss of acids or increased bicarbonate levels, neither of which is suggested in the scenario.

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Actions to Take:

A. Educate on disease process and management: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic

autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Educating the client about RA helps them understand the disease, its

progression, treatment options, and the importance of adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications. This empowers the client to actively participate in managing their condition and improve outcomes.

B. Turn every two hours to offload bony prominences to prevent pressure injuries: Rheumatoid arthritis predisposes individuals to joint deformities and immobility due to joint inflammation and pain. Immobility increases the risk of pressure injuries, especially over bony prominences. Turning the client every two hours helps redistribute pressure, reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, and maintains skin integrity.

Potential Condition:

D. Rheumatoid arthritis: The client's clinical presentation, including bilateral joint pain and stiffness, positive rheumatoid factor, positive antinuclear antibody test, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and soft tissue swelling with marginal erosions on hand X-rays, is consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints, leading to joint damage, pain, and functional impairment.

Parameters to Monitor:

C. Pain: Monitoring pain is essential in rheumatoid arthritis management to assess the effectiveness of pain management interventions and adjust treatment accordingly. Pain assessment tools, such as numerical rating scales or visual analog scales, help quantify pain intensity and guide pain management strategies.

D. Skin breakdown: Rheumatoid arthritis can limit mobility and predispose individuals to prolonged immobility, increasing the risk of pressure injuries. Monitoring for signs of skin breakdown, such as erythema, blanchable or non-blanchable skin changes, and skin integrity over bony prominences, helps prevent pressure ulcers and facilitates early intervention if skin breakdown occurs. Regularly turning the client, maintaining proper positioning, and providing adequate support surfaces are essential to prevent pressure injuries.

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The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. Which action should the nurse implement immediately?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Exhibits Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

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