The practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client who is ordered nothing by mouth (NPO) after a small bowel resection. The client's nasogastric (NG) tube is connected to low intermitent suction. The client reports dizziness and tingling in digits. Which assessment finding by the PN should be reported to the healthcare provider?
Hyperactive bowel sounds on assessment.
Heart rate of 90 beats per minute with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) noted on telemetry.
Hypoactive bowel sounds on assessment.
Regular heart rate of 100 beats per minute on telemetry.
The Correct Answer is B
PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that occur when a ventricle contracts earlier than expected. They can indicate electrolyte imbalance, such as hypokalemia, which can result from NG suctioning. The PN should report this finding to the healthcare provider, as it may require treatment or adjustment of the suctioning.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds on assessment may indicate increased peristalsis or bowel obstruction, but they are not related to the client's symptoms or NG suctioning.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds on assessment may indicate decreased peristalsis or ileus, which are expected after bowel surgery and do not require immediate intervention.
D. Regular heart rate of 100 beats per minute on telemetry may indicate tachycardia, which can have various causes, but it is not as concerning as PVCs in this context.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the factor that the PN should consider the most likely to increase the client's risk for falls because it can cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, or fainting, especially when the client changes position or gets up from bed or a chair. The PN should monitor the client's blood pressure and pulse before and after administering the medication and assist the client with ambulation and transfers.
A. An ankle ulcer that is healing slowly is not a major risk factor for falls and may not affect the client's mobility or balance.
B. History of alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking is not a major risk factor for falls unless the client is currently intoxicated or has a chronic lung disease that impairs oxygenation or cognition.
C. Recent weight gain of twenty pounds is not a major risk factor for falls unless it causes joint pain, edema, or difficulty moving.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Don non-sterile gloves when performing direct care.
Choice A rationale:
Placing a surgical mask on the client during transport is not necessary for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile. C. difficile is primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and not through airborne transmission.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the door closed to the client’s room at all times is not required for C. difficile infection. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than airborne precautions.
Choice C rationale:
Wearing a particulate respirator mask is not needed for C. difficile, as it is not an airborne pathogen. Standard contact precautions are sufficient.
Choice D rationale:
Donning non-sterile gloves when performing direct care is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile. The spores can be transmitted via the hands of healthcare workers, so wearing gloves helps to minimize this risk.
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