A nurse preceptor is observing a newly licensed nurse caring for a client on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires further instruction by the preceptor?
The nurse places the client in a semi-Fowler’s position for a postoperative assessment.
The nurse auscultates the client’s lungs without lifting the gown.
The nurse administers an enema without checking the client’s chart for contraindications.
The nurse checks the client’s vital signs before administering a cardiac medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Placing the client in semi-Fowler’s position for postoperative assessment is appropriate, promoting lung expansion and reducing aspiration risk. This aligns with standard care, supporting respiratory function and comfort, requiring no further instruction as it reflects safe, evidence-based practice.
Choice B reason: Auscultating lungs without lifting the gown may reduce clarity but is not unsafe. It preserves modesty and is acceptable if effective. While lifting the gown is preferred, this action poses minimal risk, requiring less instruction compared to errors with immediate safety implications.
Choice C reason: Administering an enema without checking for contraindications, like bowel obstruction, risks complications such as perforation. This reflects poor assessment, necessitating instruction to ensure the nurse verifies patient safety and chart details before invasive procedures to prevent harm.
Choice D reason: Checking vital signs before cardiac medication is correct, ensuring safety (e.g., withholding beta-blockers for low heart rate). This follows pharmacological protocols, requiring no instruction, as it demonstrates competence in safe medication administration practices on a medical-surgical unit.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased BUN is not typical in preeclampsia, where renal impairment often elevates BUN due to reduced glomerular filtration. Normal or increased BUN is expected, so this finding does not align with preeclampsia’s pathophysiology, making it an incorrect expectation.
Choice B reason: Increased protein in urine (proteinuria) is a hallmark of preeclampsia, resulting from glomerular damage due to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. This diagnostic criterion, often >300 mg/24 hours, is critical for identifying preeclampsia, making it the correct finding the nurse should expect.
Choice C reason: Increased platelet count is not associated with preeclampsia, which often causes thrombocytopenia due to endothelial activation and platelet consumption. A decreased count (<100,000/mm³) is more likely, making this finding incorrect for preeclampsia’s clinical presentation.
Choice D reason: Decreased serum uric acid is not expected in preeclampsia, where elevated uric acid occurs due to reduced renal clearance from glomerular dysfunction. Increased levels are a marker, so this finding is opposite to preeclampsia’s effects, making it incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Occasional mild nausea is common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes and does not typically require reporting unless severe or persistent. It is not a concerning finding at 14 weeks, so this is incorrect for urgent reporting.
Choice B reason: Mild ankle swelling in the evening can be normal due to fluid retention but is not urgent unless accompanied by other preeclampsia signs. It is less critical than bleeding, so this is incorrect for priority reporting.
Choice C reason: Vaginal bleeding at 14 weeks is abnormal and may indicate miscarriage, placental issues, or other complications, requiring immediate reporting to the provider for evaluation. This finding is critical at 14 weeks gestation, aligning with obstetric emergency protocols, making it the correct choice for teaching.
Choice D reason: Increased appetite is normal in pregnancy as nutritional needs rise and does not warrant urgent reporting. It reflects healthy adaptation rather than a complication, so this is incorrect for inclusion in teaching about concerning findings.
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