Which client is best to assign to the practical nurse (PN) who is assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the care of a group of clients?

An adult who is one day postoperative for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

An older client who is one day postoperative with a colostomy for colon cancer.

An older adult who is scheduled for foot amputation due to diabetes complications.

An adult with alcoholism, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Assigning a client who is one day postoperative for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to the practical nurse (PN) is appropriate. This procedure is minimally invasive, and the client is likely stable, requiring routine postoperative care such as wound assessment, pain management, and monitoring for any signs of complications.

Choice B rationale:

An older client who is one day postoperative with a colostomy for colon cancer may have complex postoperative needs, including colostomy care, monitoring for complications, and pain management. This level of care is usually within the scope of the registered nurse (RN) rather than a practical nurse (PN).

Choice C rationale:

An older adult who is scheduled for foot amputation due to diabetes complications is likely to have complex care needs, including wound care, diabetes management, and potential complications. This client would require the expertise of an RN rather than a PN.

Choice D rationale:

An adult with alcoholism, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy may have complex medical and psychosocial issues that require specialized nursing care. This client's condition is not appropriate for a practical nurse (PN) to manage, and the care should be provided by an RN or other specialized healthcare provider.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Serum sodium level. Rationale: While electrolyte imbalances can be significant, in the context of purulent drainage at a postoperative site, monitoring serum sodium levels is not the top priority. Other laboratory values are more relevant in this situation.

Choice B rationale:

Hematocrit. Rationale: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Neutrophil count. Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response, particularly against bacterial infections. Elevated neutrophil counts can indicate an ongoing infection, so monitoring this value is important when assessing purulent wound drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Platelet count. Rationale: Platelet count measures the number of blood clotting cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.

A. Tenderness. B. Musical and drumlike. C. Absent sounds. D. Pain.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Tenderness is not considered a normal finding during percussion of the abdomen. Tenderness suggests an underlying issue or inflammation in the abdominal area, which requires further evaluation and investigation.

Choice B rationale:

Musical and drumlike sounds are considered normal findings during percussion of the abdomen. These sounds indicate the presence of air-filled structures like the stomach or intestines. Normal abdominal percussion sounds are tympanic, and they are characterized by a hollow, drum-like quality when the abdomen is tapped lightly. This finding suggests that there are no significant abnormalities in the abdominal area.

Choice C rationale:

Absent sounds during abdominal percussion are not considered normal and may indicate a potential problem. Absent sounds could be due to factors such as bowel obstruction or severe constipation, which require further assessment and intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Pain during abdominal percussion is not considered a normal finding. It indicates discomfort or tenderness in the abdominal area, which requires further evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

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Which client is best to assign to the practical nurse (PN) who is assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the care of a group of clients?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse completes percussion of the abdomen on an older adult client. Which finding is considered normal for this client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. Which action should the nurse take next?

A client tells the nurse about beginning an exercise program a month ago to lose weight and improve sleep. The client states that it still takes at least two hours to fall asleep at night. Which action should the nurse implement?

The practical nurse (PN) is auscultating a client's lung sounds. Which description should the PN use to document this sound? (Please listen to the audio clip provided). Audio: [Wheezing sound]

A client at 42-weeks gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit for a scheduled induction but refuses the prescribed oxytocin infusion because she wants to have a "natural" delivery. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

While caring for a client with a full-thickness burn covering 40% of the body surface area (BSA), the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit is notified about a mass casualty event that recently took place in the community. Which of the following assignments should the nurse anticipate?

After receiving a change of shift report for clients on a medical surgical unit, which task should the nurse assign to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?