A nurse from a medical unit is asked to work on an orthopedic unit. The medical nurse has no orthopedic experience. Which of the following clients should be assigned to the medical nurse?
A client who is in balanced skeletal traction.
A client who had a total hip arthroplasty 3 days ago.
A client who has a fractured femur with a new cast.
A client who had a right above-the-knee amputation 24 hours ago.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D.
Choice A rationale:
“A client who is in balanced skeletal traction.” This client requires specialized orthopedic knowledge to manage the traction and monitor for complications. A nurse without orthopedic experience may not be familiar with the care required.
Choice B rationale:
“A client who had a total hip arthroplasty 3 days ago.” This client is likely to require specialized post-operative care, including pain management, mobility assistance, and monitoring for complications such as infection or dislocation. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.
Choice C rationale:
“A client who has a fractured femur with a new cast.” This client will require specialized care to manage the cast, monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome, and provide pain management. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.
Choice D rationale:
“A client who had a right above-the-knee amputation 24 hours ago.” This is the correct answer. While this client will require post-operative care, the care is likely to be similar to the post-operative care provided on a medical unit, such as pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications. Therefore, a nurse from a medical unit could likely provide appropriate care for this client.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D: Review the client's request with the family.
Choice D rationale: Reviewing the client's request with the family respects the client's autonomy and the directives stated in their living will. It allows the nurse to communicate and clarify the client's wishes with the family, helping them understand the decisions made by the client when they were competent. This action promotes open communication and may facilitate resolution of the conflict.
Choice A rationale: Inserting the tube and beginning feedings per the family's request disregards the client's living will, which explicitly declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure. This action goes against the ethical principle of autonomy and could have legal implications.
Choice B rationale: While asking the provider to discuss the issue with the family could be a subsequent step, it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The nurse should first review the client's request with the family to emphasize the importance of the living will and facilitate understanding between the parties involved.
Choice C rationale: Reporting the dilemma to the facility's dietitian does not address the ethical and legal concerns at hand. The dietitian's role is to manage nutritional needs, not to resolve ethical dilemmas or interpret legal documents such as living wills. Involving the dietitian may not be helpful in addressing the conflict between the client's wishes and the family's request.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not include the client's dressing change schedule in the verbal report when transferring care to the medical-surgical unit. While this information is important for the client's care, it is not a priority for the receiving unit to know during the immediate transfer. Dressing change schedules can vary based on the type of surgery and wound healing progress, and the medical-surgical unit will focus on the client's overall condition.
Choice B rationale:
The client's level of consciousness is a critical piece of information to include in the verbal report when transferring care. Changes in level of consciousness can indicate neurological deterioration or potential complications, especially after a major surgery like open heart surgery. This information helps the receiving nurses monitor the client's condition closely and respond appropriately if any deterioration occurs.
Choice C rationale:
While reporting the client's vital signs from the previous shift is important, it might not be the most relevant information during the immediate transfer from the postoperative unit to the medical-surgical unit. Vital signs can change rapidly, and the receiving nurses will assess the client's current vital signs upon arrival. Therefore, this information is not the priority for the verbal report.
Choice D rationale:
The client's occupation is not a critical piece of information to include in the verbal report during a transfer from the postoperative unit to the medical-surgical unit. The primary focus of the transfer report should be on the client's immediate postoperative condition, potential complications, and any other information directly related to their current medical status.
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