A nurse is collecting data from a client who fell at home and reported a brief loss of consciousness. Which of the following findings should the nurse immediately report to the charge nurse?
Edematous bruise on forehead
Client disoriented to place
Heart rate 110/min and regular
Small drops of clear fluid in left ear
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should immediately report small drops of clear fluid in the left ear to the charge nurse. This finding could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur as a result of a head injury. A CSF leak can be a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
An edematous bruise on the forehead, client disorientation to place, and a heart rate of 110/min and regular are also important findings that the nurse should report to the charge nurse. However, these findings are not as urgent as the presence of small drops of clear fluid in the left ear.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the family to not let the client engage in strenuous activities for 1 week following a minor head injury. This can help prevent further injury and allow the client to rest and recover.
Applying heat to the area of swelling for the first 48 hr, repeatedly asking the client questions to check for orientation, and encouraging the client to sleep for the first 24 hr are not appropriate instructions for the nurse to include in this situation. Applying heat can increase swelling and inflammation. Repeatedly asking the client questions can be disorienting and confusing. Encouraging the client to sleep for the first 24 hr is not necessary and could interfere with monitoring the client's condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
An appropriate action to prevent hip dislocation in a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty is to place a wedge pillow between the legs. This helps to maintain proper alignment and prevent the legs from crossing or adducting, which can cause hip dislocation.
Placing a trochanter roll against the thigh, placing a sandbag on the lateral calf, and placing a footboard on the bed are not appropriate actions to prevent hip dislocation in this situation. A trochanter roll is used to prevent the external rotation of the hip. A sandbag to the lateral calf can help prevent foot drop. A footboard can help prevent plantar flexion contractures.
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