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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["6.8"]
Explanation
Converting the weight to kg:
Client weight = 198 lbs 1 lb = 0.453592 kg
Client weight in kg = 198 lbs 0.453592 kg/lb = 90.7 kg
Calculating the desired dopamine infusion rate:
Dose = 2 mcg/kg/minute Client weight = 90.7 kg
Desired infusion rate = Dose Client weight = 2 mcg/kg/minute 90.7 kg = 181.4 mcg/minute
Determining the dopamine concentration in the bag:
Dopamine amount = 400 mg Bag volume = 250 mL
Dopamine concentration = Dopamine amount / Bag volume = 400 mg / 250 mL = 1.6 mg/mL
Convert mg/mL to mcg/mL: 1.6 mg/mL 1000 mcg/mg = 1600 mcg/mL
Calculating the rate in mL/minute:
Desired infusion rate = 181.4 mcg/minute Dopamine concentration = 1600 mcg/mL
Rate (mL/minute) = Desired infusion rate (mcg/minute) / Dopamine concentration (mcg/mL)
Rate = 181.4 mcg/minute / 1600 mcg/mL = 0.1134 mL/minute
Converting the rate to mL/hour:
Rate (mL/minute) = 0.1134 mL/minute Conversion factor: 60 minutes/hour
Rate (mL/hour) = 0.1134 mL/minute 60 minutes/hour = 6.8 mL/hour (round to nearest tenth)
Therefore, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver approximately 6.8 mL/hour.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Wearing gloves when interviewing the client. This behavior may make the client feel stigmatized or rejected, as it could imply that the nurse perceives them as contagious or untouchable.
B. Allowing the client to ventilate feelings. While this is important for emotional support, it does not directly address the psychosocial need for acceptance.
C. Encouraging the client to join a support group. This can help the client feel less isolated and gain support from others with similar experiences, but it is not as immediate or direct as personal interaction.
D. Shaking the client's hand during an introduction. This gesture of physical contact can significantly convey acceptance and normalcy, helping the client feel respected and accepted despite their condition.
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