A client is admitted following a motor vehicle collision.
When assessing the client's level of consciousness, the nurse notes that the client no longer responds to commands.
The nurse initiates a painful stimulus and the client responds by pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward.
Which action should the nurse implement?

Report the finding to the healthcare provider.

Document the purposeful response to pain.

Initiate seizure precautions immediately.

Administer a prescribed PRN analgesic.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is **a. Report the finding to the healthcare provider.**

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should report the finding of the client's response to a painful stimulus to the healthcare provider. This response, known as a decorticate posturing, is an abnormal motor response that indicates a severe brain injury or dysfunction. It is a sign of impaired consciousness and requires immediate medical attention and intervention.

Choice B rationale:

While documenting the client's response to pain is important, the primary action the nurse should take is to report the finding to the healthcare provider. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating seizure precautions is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is not a seizure, but rather an abnormal motor response indicating a severe brain injury or dysfunction. Seizure precautions would not be the appropriate intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a prescribed PRN analgesic is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires immediate medical attention, not just pain management. Administering an analgesic would not address the underlying neurological issue.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Avocados and cheese are not specifically recommended for a client with a postoperative wound infection. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, yogurt or buttermilk is a better choice due to their probiotic content, which may promote gut health and support the immune system.

Choice B rationale:

Fresh fruits are generally a healthy dietary choice, but they are not particularly relevant to the management of a postoperative wound infection. The emphasis for this client should be on foods that support wound healing and immune function, such as yogurt or buttermilk.

Choice D rationale:

Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, but they are not a primary focus for a client with a postoperative wound infection. Again, the emphasis should be on foods that support the immune system and overall recovery, such as yogurt or buttermilk.

A. Monitor ETT markings between 22 and 26 cm at teeth line. B. Check for capillary refill of 3 seconds or less. C. Obtain a portable chest x-ray to verify ETT location. D. Assess for symmetrical chest movement. E. Auscultate for presence of bilateral breath sounds.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring ETT markings between 22 and 26 cm at the teeth line is essential to ensure proper placement of the endotracheal tube (ETT). This helps confirm that the ETT is positioned correctly in the trachea.

Choice B rationale:

Checking for capillary refill is not a reliable method for verifying the placement of an ETT. It is more indicative of peripheral circulation and not related to airway management.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a portable chest x-ray is a crucial step to verify the exact placement of the ETT within the trachea and to rule out potential complications such as pneumothorax.

Choice D rationale:

Assessing for symmetrical chest movement is important because unequal chest rise and fall could indicate an issue with ETT placement or lung function.

Choice E rationale:

Auscultating for bilateral breath sounds is another method to confirm that the ETT is correctly positioned in the trachea and that both lungs are being ventilated adequately.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The healthcare provider prescribes the antibiotic cefdinir 300 mg by mouth every 12 hours for a client with a postoperative wound infection.Which foods should the nurse encourage this client to eat?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A young adult is brought to the emergency department after taking a handful of drugs.The client is unresponsive, so an endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted.How should the nurse determine if the ETT is correctly placed? (Select all that apply.).

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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