A nurse observes a practical nurse (PN) pouring warm water over the perineal area of a female client who has frequent urinary incontinence while the client is positioned on a bedpan. Which action should the nurse take?
Evaluate the effectiveness of this measure to stimulate client voiding.
Recommend a complete bath to cleanse the perineal area more fully.
Suggest contacting the healthcare provider for a prescription for catheter insertion.
Instruct the PN that this technique promotes infection in elderly females.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Pouring warm water over the perineal area can stimulate the micturition reflex, which may help the client void. It is a non-invasive, first-line intervention to promote natural voiding in clients with urinary incontinence. The nurse should evaluate its effectiveness as it can be a simple yet effective method to assist the client.
Choice B reason: While recommending a complete bath may help maintain hygiene, it does not directly address the immediate need to stimulate voiding. The nurse's priority is to manage the incontinence issue effectively and a bath can be considered after addressing the client's immediate needs.
Choice C reason: Suggesting catheter insertion may be premature without first attempting less invasive measures. Catheterization carries risks such as infection and should be considered only when other interventions are ineffective or not feasible.
Choice D reason: There is no evidence to suggest that pouring warm water over the perineal area promotes infection in elderly females. In fact, proper perineal care is essential in preventing infections, especially in clients with incontinence.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While pneumatic compression devices are used for DVT prevention, they are not the immediate intervention for suspected stroke.
Choice B reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter is not the first-line intervention for a patient with suspected stroke symptoms.
Choice C reason: Notifying the stroke team is the most appropriate action as the patient's symptoms suggest a possible stroke, requiring urgent evaluation and management.
Choice D reason: Aspirin may be used in the management of stroke, but only after a stroke has been confirmed and not as an immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Before administering IV fluids containing potassium chloride, it is crucial to ensure that the client has adequate urinary output, typically between 30 to 60 mL/hr. This indicates good kidney function, which is necessary for the excretion of potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Choice B reason: While magnesium levels can affect potassium levels, they are not the most critical assessment before potassium infusion. However, it is important to monitor magnesium levels as part of the overall electrolyte balance, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice C reason: The size of the IV catheter is important for administration purposes, but it is not the most critical assessment data before starting potassium infusion. The catheter size affects the flow rate and comfort during infusion but does not impact the decision to start the infusion.
Choice D reason: Serum glucose level is a vital parameter to monitor in diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the most critical assessment before starting potassium infusion. The primary concern with potassium infusion is kidney function, as assessed by urinary output.
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