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.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. An increase in breath sounds may suggest improved airflow, but it does not necessarily indicate effective mobilization of secretions.
B. Absence of fine crackles indicates that there are no longer small airway secretions or fluid in the lungs, suggesting that the chest physiotherapy was effective in mobilizing secretions.
C. While the absence of coarse crackles is also a positive finding, fine crackles specifically indicate fluid or secretions in the small airways, making their absence a more direct indicator of the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy.

D. An increase in respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or worsening of the condition, rather than effectiveness of the chest physiotherapy in mobilizing secretions.

A. Poor personal hygiene B. Over sedation C. Bruises in various stages of healing D. Depression or withdrawn behavior E. Untreated pressure injuries F. Leaving an older adult in a public space

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

1. Poor personal hygiene

- Neglect: X

Rationale: Poor personal hygiene indicates neglect, as the caregiver is not providing adequate care for the client's basic needs.

2. Over sedation

- Physical abuse: X

Rationale: Over sedation is consistent with physical abuse because it involves administering medication to subdue the client, potentially to control or silence them.

3. Bruises in various stages of healing

- Physical abuse: X

Rationale: Bruises in various stages of healing are a sign of physical abuse, indicating that the client has been physically harmed multiple times over a period.

4. Depression or withdrawn behavior

- Mistreatment: X

Rationale: Depression or withdrawn behavior can be a result of mistreatment, which includes emotional and psychological abuse, leading to social isolation and emotional distress.

5. Untreated pressure injuries

- Neglect: X

Rationale: Untreated pressure injuries are a clear sign of neglect, as the caregiver is failing to provide necessary medical care to prevent and treat these injuries.

6. Leaving an older adult in a public space

- Mistreatment:

Rationale: Abandonment, which is a form of mistreatment, involves leaving the older adult in a public space without care or supervision.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a prescription for chest physiotherapy (CPT) to help mobilize secretions. Following the therapy, which finding indicates to the nurse that the intervention was effective?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Exhibits here Click to indicate if the listed manifestation of abuse is consistent with physical abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Each row must have only one response option selected.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

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