A nurse has just received change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

A client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr.

A client who received a pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain.

A client who was just given a glass of orange juice for a low blood glucose level.

A client who has 100 mL of fluid remaining in his IV bag.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

This client should be assessed first because they are at risk of hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency that can cause seizures, coma, or death if not treated promptly.
The nurse should check the client’s blood glucose level again and provide additional carbohydrates or glucose if needed.
Choice A is wrong because a client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.
The nurse should verify the client’s consent, allergies, and vital signs before the procedure, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Choice B is wrong because a client who received pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain is likely to have improved pain relief and does not need immediate assessment.
The nurse should monitor the client’s pain level, vital signs, and respiratory status periodically, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Choice D is wrong because a client who has 100 mL of fluid remaining in his IV bag is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.
The nurse should change the IV bag when it is empty or nearly empty, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) when fasting, and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after eating. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia and requires immediate treatment. Orange juice is a source of simple carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose quickly, but it may not be enough to prevent hypoglycemia in some cases.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice B

Choice A rationale: Inserting the catheter without applying suction is correct technique. Suction should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to prevent mucosal trauma and hypoxia. Initiating suction during insertion can damage tracheal lining and cause bradycardia due to vagal stimulation. Allowing clean insertion without suction reduces injury risk and supports effective secretion removal on withdrawal with controlled suction time.

Choice B rationale: Waiting 2 minutes between suction passes is too long and may delay secretion clearance, risking hypoxia and secretion buildup. Best practice is to wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the client recovers baseline oxygen saturation and heart rate. Prolonged intervals may lead to atelectasis or respiratory distress in patients with poor reserve, especially if suctioning is incomplete or secretions are copious.

Choice C rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10–15 seconds per pass to reduce hypoxemia and bronchospasm risks. Applying suction for 15 seconds falls within the upper acceptable range, particularly if preoxygenation is done. Extended suction beyond this can decrease PaO₂ levels rapidly. Limiting the suction time ensures safer removal of secretions while minimizing trauma and preserving adequate oxygenation.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging the client to cough facilitates mobilization of secretions toward the upper airway, making suctioning more effective. Coughing also enhances airway clearance naturally and may reduce the number of required suction passes. It is a therapeutic action in tracheostomy care that supports pulmonary hygiene, helps prevent atelectasis, and can reduce the need for deep suctioning interventions.

A. Instruct the client to avoid coughing during the procedure. B. Inform the client that he will be NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure. C. Position the client on the affected side for 4 hr following the procedure. D. Place the client in the prone position during the procedure.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A thoracentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid or air. Coughing can increase the risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or bleeding during the procedure.

Choice B is wrong because the client does not need to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hr prior to the procedure. There is no risk of aspiration during a thoracentesis.

Choice C is wrong because the client should be positioned on the unaffected side for 4 hr following the procedure. This allows the affected lung to re-expand and prevents fluid from accumulating in the pleural space again.

Choice D is wrong because the client should not be placed in the prone position during the procedure. The prone position makes it difficult to access the pleural space and can compromise breathing.

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System	Findings
General	Adult child accompanying parent reports decline in client, expressing concern over memory and thought process, appetite, and self-care. Adult child states. "My sibling and I hired help at home for my parent. We thought that would help but it has not. I found the title to the car today, signed over to me."
Physical	Client makes poor eye contact, speaks in a monotone voice, and has a lack of facial expression. Client reports sleeping 7 hr a night and getting up "once or twice per night to go to the bathroom." Client reports not wanting to eat anymore. Client's child reports their parent has lost about 8 lb in the past month. Heart rate 68/min
Affect	Client says. "Why don't you just leave me? I am of no use.”

A nurse has just received change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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