The practical nurse (PN) is monitoring a 5-year-old following a fracture of the ulna. For which situation should the PN seek immediate intervention by the registered nurse (RN)?
The child likes to wiggle the fingers on the hand of the affected side.
The child's radial pulse volume on the affected arm is difficult to palpate.
An accurate respiratory rate cannot be measured because of the child's crying.
The parents of the child are requesting that the child receive an analgesic.
The Correct Answer is B
This could indicate reduced blood flow to the affected arm, which may be a sign of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention by a registered nurse (RN). The other options may also require intervention, but they are not as urgent as the situation described in option B.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The priority action for the practical nurse (PN) to take while caring for a client that has just arrived in the emergency department with 2nd degree thermal burns to the right thigh, lower leg and foot, and reports severe pain in the right leg is to remove clothing and cover the burned area with a cool damp cloth. This will help to cool the burn and reduce pain.
Anticipating rehydration of 1000 mL/6 hr. with normal saline (Option A) is an important intervention for burn patients, but it is not the first priority. Completely flushing the burned area with water or sterile saline (Option C) may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented. Collecting data such as vital signs, blood gases, height and weight (Option D) is also important, but it is not the first priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The fact that the patient is being treated for depression and is currently taking an antidepressant medication suggests that his loss of interest in sexual intimacy may be related to his medication. Certain antidepressants can cause sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido.
Therefore, obtaining a list of medications currently being taken (A) is the most important information for the PN to obtain. While marital discord (B), frequency of sexual activity (C), and alcohol consumption (D) may be relevant information, they are not as directly related to the patient's current complaint as his medication use.
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