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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This method involves feeling the radial pulse while inflating and deflating the cuff.
The systolic pressure is estimated by noting the pressure at which the pulse disappears and reappears. The diastolic pressure is not measured by this method, but it can be useful when the sounds are difficult to hear.
Choice A is wrong because applying the largest cuff available can result in a falsely low reading. The cuff size should be appropriate for the client’s arm circumference.
Choice C is wrong because placing the arm above the level of the client’s heart can also cause a falsely low reading. The arm should be at the level of the heart for an accurate measurement.
Choice D is wrong because deflating the cuff quickly can lead to missing or skipping sounds, resulting in an inaccurate reading. The cuff should be deflated slowly and evenly.
Normal ranges for blood pressure vary depending on age, sex, and health conditions, but generally, a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg are considered normal for adults.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice **D. Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections**.
Choice D rationale:
As a charge nurse concerned about a recent increase in facility-acquired catheter infections, the first step should be to identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections. This involves conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root causes of the increased infection rates. By identifying the underlying factors, the nurse can then develop targeted interventions to address the specific issues and prevent further infections.
Choice A rationale:
While scheduling nursing staff training for infection control procedures is important, it should not be the first action taken. Before implementing training, it is crucial to identify the factors contributing to the increased infection rates to ensure that the training addresses the specific issues at hand.
Choice B rationale:
Meeting with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections is a necessary step, but it should not be the first action. Providers need to be informed about the situation, but their input will be more valuable once the precipitating factors have been identified.
Choice C rationale:
Revising the current policy for catheter care may be necessary, but it should not be the first action. Policies should be based on evidence-based practices and tailored to address the specific issues identified through the investigation.
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