The nurse is surprised to detect an elevated temperature (102 °F) in a patient scheduled for surgery. The patient has been afebrile and shows no other signs of being febrile. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

Validate the finding

Document the finding

Inform the surgeon

Inform the charge nurse

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Validate the finding:

Validating the finding involves rechecking the patient's temperature using a different thermometer or method to confirm the accuracy of the initial measurement. This step is crucial to rule out any potential errors or issues with the measurement.

B. Document the finding:

Once the finding has been validated and confirmed, the nurse should document the elevated temperature accurately in the patient's medical record. Documentation is essential for communication among the healthcare team and for tracking changes in the patient's condition over time.

C. Inform the surgeon:

If the elevated temperature is confirmed and the patient is scheduled for surgery, it is important to inform the surgeon promptly. The surgeon needs to be aware of any changes in the patient's health status that may impact the decision to proceed with the scheduled surgery.

D. Inform the charge nurse:

Informing the charge nurse may be appropriate, especially if there are specific protocols or procedures in place within the healthcare facility for addressing unexpected changes in a patient's condition. The charge nurse can provide guidance and coordinate appropriate actions.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Documentation is a communication tool for the interprofessional health care team

The purpose of documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) includes serving as a communication tool among members of the interprofessional healthcare team. Accurate and timely documentation allows healthcare providers to share information about the client's care, treatment, and outcomes.

B. Documentation allows providers to monitor the nurse’s activities:

While documentation provides a record of the nurse's activities, the primary purpose is to communicate information about patient care rather than serving as a tool for monitoring the nurse's activities.

C. Documentation provides information to the client about financial charges:

The primary purpose of documentation is to record and communicate information about the client's health status, care, and outcomes. Financial information is typically managed separately from clinical documentation.

D. Documentation provides information for a client audit:

While documentation can be used in audits for quality assurance, the primary purpose is to record and communicate information about patient care. The use of documentation for audits is a secondary function related to quality improvement and regulatory compliance.

A. Regular deep respirations interspersed with periods of apnea B. A pattern of crescendo-decrescendo respirations followed by a period of apnea C. Patient breathing less than 10 breaths per minute D. Patient breathing shallow and more than 24 breaths per minute

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Regular deep respirations interspersed with periods of apnea:

This describes periodic breathing, which is different from Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Periodic breathing consists of regular cycles of deep respirations followed by periods of apnea.

B. A pattern of crescendo-decrescendo respirations followed by a period of apnea

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a pattern of crescendo-decrescendo respirations, meaning that the depth and rate of breathing gradually increase and then decrease. This is followed by a period of apnea, during which there is a temporary cessation of breathing. The cycle then repeats.

C. Patient breathing less than 10 breaths per minute:

This describes bradypnea, which is an abnormally slow respiratory rate. Cheyne-Stokes respirations involve rhythmic, cyclical changes in respiratory rate and depth.

D. Patient breathing shallow and more than 24 breaths per minute:

This describes tachypnea, which is an abnormally fast respiratory rate. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a distinct pattern of alternating crescendo-decrescendo respirations followed by apnea.

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The nurse is surprised to detect an elevated temperature (102 °F) in a patient scheduled for surgery. The patient has been afebrile and shows no other signs of being febrile. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse about documentation of a client’s information in the electronic health record. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the purpose of documentation?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse notes documentation that a client is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes respirations. On assessment, what finding would the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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