The practical nurse (PN) palpates a client's radial pulse and notes that the pulse disappears when light pressure is applied.

How should the PN document this finding?

The correct answer is Choice A:

Collect fingerstick glucose levels.

Choice A rationale:

When a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it means they are receiving nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. TPN often contains high levels of glucose, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels are crucial to detect and manage hyperglycemia effectively, especially in clients at risk for diabetes or those with impaired glucose metabolism.

Choice B rationale:

Implementing bleeding precautions (Choice B) is important for clients on anticoagulant therapy or with bleeding disorders. However, it is not the most important intervention for a client receiving TPN. Monitoring glucose levels takes precedence in this case.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining daily weights is an important intervention to assess fluid balance and nutritional status in clients receiving TPN. However, it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring glucose levels to prevent complications of hyperglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Checking urine for albumin is important in assessing kidney function and detecting proteinuria. While it is a valid nursing intervention, it is not the most important consideration for a client on TPN. Monitoring glucose levels is of higher priority.

The correct answer isChoice B.

Choice B rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should instruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to keep the client's skin clean and dry. Proper skin care is essential for a client with urinary and fecal incontinence to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Keeping the skin clean and dry helps reduce moisture-related skin breakdown.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to rest quietly in bed is not directly related to preventing pressure ulcers. While adequate rest is essential for overall health, it does not specifically address the risk of pressure ulcers in an incontinent client.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining supplies for contact precautions is unrelated to the client's risk of developing a sacral pressure ulcer. Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and do not address skin integrity.

Choice D rationale:

Documenting any changes in skin integrity is important, but it is the responsibility of the healthcare team, including the PN. However, this response does not provide proactive measures to prevent the pressure ulcer from occurring in the first place, which is the primary concern in this situation.