A nurse notices clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned from lumbar spinal surgery. What should be the nurse’s immediate course of action?
Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.
Change the dressing using a compression bandage.
Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.
Document the findings in the electronic medical record.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate course of action when a nurse notices clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned from lumbar spinal surgery. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which contains glucose. If the fluid is positive for glucose, it could indicate a CSF leak, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Changing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate course of action. The source of the fluid needs to be identified first.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate course of action. The source of the fluid needs to be identified first.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is important, but it is not the immediate course of action. The source of the fluid needs to be identified first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.8"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert the client’s weight from pounds to kg. 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lbs. So, 176 lbs
÷ 2.2 = 80 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number).
Step 2: Calculate the total mg of enoxaparin sodium needed per day. The prescription is for 1.5 mg/kg/day. So, 80 kg × 1.5 mg/kg/day = 120 mg/day.
Step 3: Calculate the mL of enoxaparin sodium needed. The medication is available in a 120 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe. So, 120 mg ÷ 120 mg/0.8 mL = 0.8 mL. The nurse should administer 0.8 mL.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While obtaining a serum drug screen might be helpful in confirming the presence of benzodiazepines or other substances, it is not the most immediate concern in a client experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and would not be effective in managing withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines.
Choice C rationale
Seizure precautions should be initiated as withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the client by initiating seizure precautions is the best initial nursing action.
Choice D rationale
While education is an important part of nursing care, in this situation, the client’s immediate physical needs take precedence.
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