The nurse notices the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery.
What immediate action should the nurse take?

Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.

Replace the dressing using a compression bandage.

Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue monitoring.

Document the findings in the electronic medical record.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate action the nurse should take. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is often released following spinal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so a positive glucose test would confirm it is CSF.
Choice B rationale
Replacing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While it is important to manage the drainage and prevent infection, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While this can be part of ongoing wound care and monitoring, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.

Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is an important step, but it should not be the immediate action. The nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is, as it could indicate a complication from the surgery.

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Correct Answer is ["A","F"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Stabilizing the cervical spine is one of the first actions that should be taken during the primary survey of a trauma patient. This is to prevent any potential injury to the spinal cord, which could result in permanent paralysis.

Choice B rationale
Checking for a pulse is an important part of the primary survey, but it is not one of the first actions that should be taken. The first priority is to ensure that the airway is patent and the cervical spine is stabilized.

Choice C rationale
Requesting an x-ray is not one of the first actions that should be taken during the primary survey. The first priority is to assess the client’s airway, breathing, and circulation, and to stabilize the cervical spine.

Choice D rationale
Assessing the respiratory rate is an important part of the primary survey, but it is not one of the first actions that should be taken. The first priority is to ensure that the airway is patent and the cervical spine is stabilized.

Choice E rationale
Examining the abdomen is an important part of the secondary survey, which is conducted after the primary survey. The first priority during the primary survey is to assess the client’s airway, breathing, and circulation, and to stabilize the cervical spine.
Choice F rationale

Ensuring that the airway is patent is one of the first actions that should be taken during the primary survey. This is to ensure that the client is able to breathe effectively and receive adequate oxygenation.

A. Malignancy B. Bacterial infection C. Viral infection D. Lymphangitis .

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A large, non-tender, hardened lymph node without overlying tissue inflammation could indicate malignancy. Lymph nodes may become enlarged or hard due to the presence of cancer cells.
Choice B rationale

While bacterial infections can cause lymph node enlargement, they typically also cause tenderness and overlying skin changes, such as redness or warmth.
Choice C rationale
Viral infections can cause generalized lymph node enlargement, but the nodes are usually tender and not hard.
Choice D rationale
Lymphangitis, or inflammation of the lymphatic channels, typically presents with red streaks on the skin, fever, and tenderness.

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The nurse notices the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. What immediate action should the nurse take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is ["A","F"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The nurse notices the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery.
What immediate action should the nurse take?