A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit is managing the care of four clients. The nurse should schedule an interdisciplinary conference for which of the following clients?
A client who has orthostatic hypotension and is receiving IV fluids
A client who has Type 1 diabetes and uses an insulin pump
A client who is at risk for pressure ulcers and has an albumin level of 4.2 g/dL
A client who is receiving heparin and has an aPTT of 34 seconds
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is not complex or chronic. The nurse can manage the client's care by monitoring their vital signs, fluid intake and output, and hydration status. The nurse can also educate the client on how to prevent orthostatic hypotension by changing positions slowly and wearing compression stockings.
Choice B reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is well-controlled and self-managed. The nurse can manage the client's care by checking their blood glucose levels, administering insulin as prescribed, and providing dietary and lifestyle education. The nurse can also collaborate with the diabetes educator or the endocrinologist if needed.
Choice C reason: Although this client is at risk for pressure ulcers, their albumin level is within the normal range, indicating adequate nutritional status. Low albumin levels are often associated with poor wound healing and increased risk of skin breakdown, but in this case, nutrition does not appear to be a concern. Preventive measures, such as regular repositioning, skin assessments, and pressure-relieving devices, can be implemented by nursing staff without requiring an interdisciplinary meeting.
Choice D reason: This client is the most appropriate candidate for an interdisciplinary conference. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a critical lab value for monitoring heparin therapy, and a level of 34 seconds is below the therapeutic range. A subtherapeutic aPTT increases the risk of clot formation, indicating that the heparin dose may need to be adjusted. An interdisciplinary team, including the physician, pharmacist, nurse, and laboratory personnel, should collaborate to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation management. This conference would allow for a discussion on dosage adjustments, potential medication interactions, and continued monitoring to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diminished hand-to-mouth coordination is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the motor function of the upper extremities. The nurse should refer the client to physical therapy or occupational therapy for this issue.
Choice B reason: Impaired voluntary cough is a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it indicates a possible dysfunction of the swallowing mechanism or the vocal cords. The nurse should refer the client to speech-language pathology for a swallowing evaluation and intervention.
Choice C reason: Altered level of consciousness is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the neurological function of the brain. The nurse should monitor the client's Glasgow Coma Scale score and report any changes to the provider.
Choice D reason: Unilateral ptosis is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the cranial nerve function of the eye. The nurse should assess the client's pupillary response and eye movements and report any abnormalities to the provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Notifying staff of the increased fall rate is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it does not address the root cause of the problem or the possible solutions. The nurse should inform the staff of the fall rate after conducting a thorough analysis and developing a plan of action.
Choice B reason: Identifying clients who are at risk for falls is the first action that the nurse should take, as it helps to determine the scope and severity of the problem and the factors that contribute to it. The nurse should use a valid and reliable tool to assess the fall risk of each client and document the findings.
Choice C reason: Reviewing current literature regarding client falls is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it does not provide specific information about the facility's situation or the client's needs. The nurse should review the literature after identifying the clients who are at risk for falls and before implementing a fall prevention plan.
Choice D reason: Implementing a fall prevention plan is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it requires evidence-based interventions and evaluation methods that are tailored to the facility's context and the client's characteristics. The nurse should implement a fall prevention plan after reviewing the current literature and obtaining approval from the stakeholders.
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