A nurse is admitting a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 72 hr. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Provide oral replacement solution.

Obtain a prescription for antidiarrheal medication.

Offer the client a sitz bath.

Collect a specimen of the client's stool.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Providing oral replacement solution is the nurse's priority in this situation. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to fluid loss. Oral rehydration solutions contain electrolytes and fluids that can help restore the body's hydration balance. Ensuring the client's adequate fluid intake takes precedence in preventing complications associated with diarrhea.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a prescription for antidiarrheal medication is important, but it is not the priority action. The client's dehydration and electrolyte imbalance should be addressed first through oral rehydration before focusing on symptom management.

Choice C rationale:

Offering the client a sitz bath is not the priority action for someone experiencing diarrhea. Sitz baths are typically used for conditions affecting the perineal area, such as hemorrhoids or perineal discomfort. However, in the case of diarrhea, the primary concern is managing fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice D rationale:

Collecting a specimen of the client's stool is important for diagnostic purposes, but it is not the immediate priority. The client's hydration status and electrolyte balance should be addressed promptly to prevent complications. Stool collection can be considered once the client's hydration has been stabilized.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.

Choice B rationale:

Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.

Choice C rationale:

Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.

Choice D rationale:

Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.

A. A client who needs assistance when ambulating. B. A client who consistently has difficulty using utensils while eating. C. A client who has expressive aphasia. D. A client who consistently coughs after drinking liquids.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A client who needs assistance when ambulating is an important consideration for care, but it does not necessarily require a priority referral. The nurse can assess the client's mobility and coordinate assistance within the rehabilitation unit as needed.

Choice B rationale:

A client who consistently has difficulty using utensils while eating is a concern for occupational therapy or speech therapy, but it is not an immediate priority. The client's difficulty with eating utensils can be addressed through therapeutic interventions within the rehabilitation setting.

Choice C rationale:

A client who has expressive aphasia requires a priority referral because this indicates potential communication difficulties that could hinder the client's ability to express needs, understand instructions, and participate in therapy. Expressive aphasia can impact the client's overall rehabilitation progress and safety.

Choice D rationale:

A client who consistently coughs after drinking liquids might require assessment and intervention, but it does not present an immediate priority. The nurse can address this concern within the rehabilitation unit and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team as needed.

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A nurse is admitting a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 72 hr. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Explanation

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