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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Coordinating the team and the plan of care is the role of the case manager or the social worker, who can facilitate communication and collaboration among the different disciplines involved in the client's care.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Ordering durable medical equipment for the client's home is the role of the occupational therapist or the physical therapist, who can assess the client's functional needs and abilities and recommend the appropriate devices.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Helping the client obtain financial assistance is the role of the social worker or the financial counselor, who can identify the client's eligibility and options for funding and insurance coverage.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because this action is the nurse's responsibility. Performing a dietary assessment is part of the nursing process and the scope of practice of the nurse, who can evaluate the client's nutritional status and needs and provide education and counseling on diet modifications and interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because requesting orientation to the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. Orientation is a process that takes time and planning, and it may not be feasible or necessary for a temporary assignment. The nurse should first ensure that they are competent to perform the tasks and procedures required on the medical-surgical unit.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because referring to the assigned resource nurse regarding client assignments is not the first action the nurse should take. The resource nurse is a person who can provide guidance and support to the nurse during the shift, but they are not responsible for determining the nurse's competencies or assigning clients. The nurse should first communicate with the charge nurse, who is the leader of the unit and has the authority to assign clients according to the nurse's skills and experience.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because informing the nursing supervisor of the lack of experience on the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. The nursing supervisor is a person who can oversee the staffing and operations of the nursing units, but they are not directly involved in the clinical care of the clients or the education of the staff. The nurse should first consult with the charge nurse, who can assess the nurse's competencies and provide appropriate resources and education.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because clarifying competencies with the medical-surgical charge nurse is the first action the nurse should take. The charge nurse is a person who can evaluate the nurse's skills and knowledge, assign clients according to the nurse's level of expertise, and provide orientation and training as needed. The nurse should be honest and proactive in communicating their competencies and learning needs to the charge nurse.
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