A client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is receiving dicyclomine, an anticholinergic drug. Prior to administering the next dose, the practical nurse (PN) determines that the client's mucous membranes are dry, and the client reports having a dry mouth. Which action should the PN take

Check vital signs.

Notify the charge nurse.

Monitor hemoglobin.

Provide oral care.

Observe and report any ear drainage after removing the device.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Dry mucous membranes and a dry mouth are common side effects of anticholinergic drugs like dicyclomine. These medications block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating secretions in the body. As a result, the client may experience dryness in various parts of the body, including the mouth.
Providing oral care, such as offering the client sips of water or providing a moistening agent for the mouth, can help alleviate the discomfort caused by dryness and promote oral hygiene. It is an appropriate and immediate intervention for the client's current symptoms.
Incorrect:
A. Checking vital signs may not directly address the client's dry mouth, but it is a good practice to assess the client's overall condition.
B. Monitoring hemoglobin would not be necessary in this situation, as it does not directly relate to the client's dry mucous membranes.
C. Notifying the charge nurse may be appropriate if the client's symptoms worsen or if there are other concerning factors, but the priority action in this case is to provide oral care to address the client's discomfort.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic that can depress the respiratory system and potentially cause respiratory depression. Therefore, it is crucial for the PN to closely monitor the client's breathing pattern, depth, and rate. Assessing for signs of shallow or slow breathing is important to detect any potential respiratory depression and take appropriate action promptly.
The other options listed are not directly related to the administration of tramadol:

A. Encouraging the client to resume normal activities after medication administration is not an appropriate intervention for a client experiencing torticollis. The focus should be on pain management, rest, and implementing measures to relieve the torticollis.
B. Observing the client for involuntary movements of the lips and tongue every day is not specifically related to tramadol. This intervention is more relevant to monitoring for tardive dyskinesia, a side effect associated with certain antipsychotic medications.
C. Performing a daily whisper test of the client's hearing to detect symptoms of ototoxicity is not necessary with tramadol. Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear, often caused by specific medications, but tramadol is not known to cause ototoxic effects.

A. Wrap the bag in place for comfort. B. Secure a protective cover over the bag. C. Give directions to leave the pack in place. D. Fill the ice pack with crushed ice

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The most important intervention for the practical nurse (PN) to implement when applying an ice pack to a client is to secure a protective cover over the bag. This is essential to protect the client's skin from direct contact with the ice pack, which can cause tissue damage, frostbite, or discomfort.
Securing a protective cover, such as a thin cloth or towel, between the ice pack and the client's skin helps to create a barrier and prevent excessive cold exposure. It allows for the therapeutic benefits of the ice pack, such as reducing swelling and pain, while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
Incorrect:

A. While wrapping the bag in place for comfort is important, it is not the most critical intervention compared to ensuring the protection of the client's skin.
C. Giving directions to leave the pack in place is a general instruction for the client to follow the prescribed treatment, but it does not specifically address the importance of using a protective cover.
D. The type of ice used, whether crushed or cubed, may vary based on availability and preference, but it does not take precedence over the need to protect the client's skin with a cover.

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A client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is receiving dicyclomine, an anticholinergic drug. Prior to administering the next dose, the practical nurse (PN) determines that the client's mucous membranes are dry, and the client reports having a dry mouth. Which action should the PN take

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is experiencing torticollis from a traumatic injury sustained during a football game. The client received a prescription for tramadol. Which intervention should the PN include in the client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which intervention is the most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement when applying an ice pack to a client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) learns that a client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which information should the PN obtain from the client during a focused assessment?

Before administering a scheduled dose of insulin to a 10-year-old child who is learning diabetic self-care, which information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to ask the child?

The practical nurse (PN) receives a report of a stable client who experienced partial-thickness burns over 30% of the body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago. Which complication is most important for the PN to anticipate?

A client is using an incentive spirometer on the first postoperative day after an inguinal herniorrhaphy. The practical nurse (PN) should reteach the proper use of the spirometer when the client demonstrates which action.

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The practical nurse (PN) is completing a focused assessment on a client who is prescribed oxygen at 3 liters per minute by nasal cannula. Which assessment finding by the PN requires immediate action?