A nurse is teaching a class about providing care within the legal scope of practice to a group of nurses.
The nurse should include that which of the following procedures is outside the legal scope of practice for an RN?
Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy.
Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter.
Irrigation of an external ear canal.
Administering a platelet transfusion.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy is within the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. Nurses are trained to perform tracheostomy care, including changing the inner cannula. This procedure is within the nursing scope of practice and does not require a physician's intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter (such as a Hickman line) is a specialized procedure that generally falls under the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists) or physicians. RNs typically do not have the required training or authority to perform this invasive procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Irrigation of an external ear canal is within the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. Ear irrigation is a common nursing procedure used to remove impacted cerumen (earwax) and foreign bodies from the ear canal. Nurses are trained to perform this procedure safely and effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Administering blood products, including platelet transfusions, is within the legal scope of practice for an RN. RNs are responsible for preparing, verifying, and administering blood products according to institutional policies and procedures. This includes monitoring the patient during and after the transfusion for any adverse reactions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decreased temperature is not a typical sign of naloxone reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdose commonly leads to respiratory depression and hypoxia, but it does not significantly affect body temperature. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, thereby reversing the effects of the overdose. The primary signs of successful reversal include improved respiratory rate and increased alertness, not changes in body temperature.
Choice B rationale:
Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a specific indicator of naloxone effectiveness. Opioid overdose and naloxone administration primarily affect the central nervous system and respiratory function, not urinary output. Naloxone's effects are more evident in the client's level of consciousness, respiratory rate, and overall responsiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not an expected indicator of naloxone effectiveness. Opioid overdose typically causes respiratory depression, leading to a decreased respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Naloxone works by reversing this respiratory depression and improving ventilation. Consequently, increased respiratory rate, not heart rate, is a more relevant indicator of naloxone's effectiveness in reversing opioid overdose.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer. Increased respiratory rate is a key indicator that naloxone is reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdose depresses the respiratory system, leading to slow and shallow breathing. Naloxone, as an opioid receptor antagonist, rapidly reverses this effect, leading to a noticeable increase in the client's respiratory rate. Monitoring for improved breathing and increased oxygen saturation is crucial to assessing the effectiveness of naloxone in treating opioid overdose.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Mild swelling under the sutures is a common finding after surgery and may not necessarily require reporting unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms.
B. Incorrect. Pink-tinged coloration can be a normal part of the healing process, as long as there is no excessive redness, warmth, or signs of infection.
C. Incorrect. Crusting of exudate on the incisional line can occur during the healing process and may not necessarily indicate a problem unless it's accompanied by signs of infection.
D. Correct. Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line can indicate wound dehiscence, a potential complication that requires immediate attention to prevent infection and further complications.
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