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 A
Explanation
A. Move the client to a private room, keep the door closed, and initiate droplet precautions:
This is the correct answer. Given the client's symptoms and potential exposure to COVID-19, it is important to take infection control measures. Placing the client in a private room, keeping the door closed, and initiating droplet precautions help prevent the potential spread of the virus.
B. Start an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results:
Antiviral medications are typically prescribed based on confirmed COVID-19 test results and the severity of symptoms. Starting an intravenous infusion at this stage, before test results are available, is premature and not indicated.
C. Counsel family members to monitor for illness symptoms for 2 weeks after last contact with the patient:
While it is important for family members to monitor for symptoms, the immediate concern is the isolation and testing of the symptomatic client. Contact tracing may follow, but infection control measures for the client are the priority.
D. Assist the client to recall everyone possibly exposed since onset of symptoms:
While contact tracing is important, the immediate action is to isolate the client and initiate precautions. Contact tracing can be done as part of a broader public health response but is not the initial step.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer intravenous fluid bolus as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
While hydration is important, the vital signs provided (elevated heart rate and respiratory rate) are more indicative of potential respiratory distress. Administering fluids may be indicated in certain situations, but it may not address the immediate concern of compromised oxygenation.
B. Apply oxygen at 10 L via non-rebreather mask and monitor pulse oximeter.
This is the correct choice. The client's elevated heart rate and respiratory rate suggest the need for improved oxygenation. Applying oxygen at a high flow rate via a non-rebreather mask is an immediate intervention to address potential respiratory compromise. Monitoring the pulse oximeter provides real-time feedback on oxygen saturation.
C. Medicate for pain and monitor vital signs according to protocol.
Pain management is an important aspect of post-operative care, but the immediate concern in this scenario is the potential for respiratory distress. Administering pain medication alone may not address the primary issue.
D. Encourage the client to splint the incision with a pillow to cough and deep breathe.
While encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe is important for post-thoracotomy care, the elevated vital signs suggest a need for more immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Applying oxygen and monitoring the pulse oximeter take precedence.

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