The nurse is preparing a client for surgery who was admitted to the emergency center following a motor vehicle collision. The client has an open fracture of the femur and is bleeding moderately from the bone protrusion site. During the preoperative assessment, the nurse determines that the client currently receives heparin sodium 5,000 units subcutaneously daily. What is the priority nursing action?
Have the client sign the surgical and transfusion permits.
Ensure that the potential for bleeding is explained to the client
Observe the heparin injections sites for signs of bruising.
Notify the healthcare provider of the client's medication history.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Have the client sign the surgical and transfusion permits:
While obtaining signed consent is important, the immediate concern is addressing the client's medication history, especially the use of heparin, which can contribute to bleeding.
B. Ensure that the potential for bleeding is explained to the client:
Education about the potential for bleeding is important, but the immediate action is to communicate the client's medication history to the healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.
C. Observe the heparin injection sites for signs of bruising:
Monitoring for bruising at injection sites is a consideration, but it is not the priority when the client is actively bleeding from an open fracture.
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's medication history:
This is the correct answer. Heparin is an anticoagulant, and its use can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. The healthcare provider needs to be informed of the client's current medication history to make decisions regarding the timing and management of heparin therapy in the perioperative period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Thick skin plaques topped by silvery white scales:
This is a characteristic presentation of psoriasis vulgaris, not an indicator of overexposure to PUVA.
B. Tenderness upon palpation and generalized erythema:
This may be associated with various skin conditions but is not specific to overexposure to PUVA.
C. Brown, rough, greasy, wart-like papules on the face:
This description is not consistent with the expected outcomes or side effects of PUVA treatment.
D. Requires sunglasses because sunlight hurts the eyes.
PUVA treatment involves the use of psoralen, a light-sensitizing medication, followed by exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Overexposure to PUVA can lead to phototoxic reactions, including eye sensitivity to sunlight (photophobia). If the client requires sunglasses because sunlight hurts the eyes, it suggests that the eyes have been affected by the treatment, and the nurse should intervene to prevent further damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction:
While continuous observation is important, the priority is to notify the stroke team for immediate assessment and management.
B. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is an important aspect of nursing care, but it is not the immediate priority when the client is presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a stroke.
C. Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
The client's symptoms, including an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side, weaker hand grasp strength on the right, and sudden, severe headache, are indicative of potential stroke symptoms. Quick notification of the stroke team is crucial to facilitate a rapid and comprehensive assessment. Time is a critical factor in the management of stroke, and prompt intervention can improve outcomes.
D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment:
While positioning is important for maintaining physiological stability, it is not the immediate priority in the context of a potential stroke. Notifying the stroke team for rapid assessment and intervention takes precedence.
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