After observing blood-tinged mucous when suctioning a patient who has just arrived on the medical-surgical unit after a laryngectomy, which action by the nurse is best?

Place the patient in a lateral recovery position for better drainage of the secretions.

Activate the rapid-response team.

Keep monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.

Increase the humidification of the patient's oxygen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Placing the patient in a lateral recovery position is the best immediate action. This position helps facilitate drainage of secretions, especially after a laryngectomy, which can reduce the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction. The blood-tinged mucus may be due to recent surgery and should be monitored for changes.
B. The activation of the rapid-response team may be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens or becomes critical, but there is no indication of an acute life-threatening event based on the blood-tinged mucus alone.
C. Monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate is important, but it is a secondary concern compared to providing a position that promotes drainage and prevents aspiration.
D. Increasing humidification of the oxygen may help keep the airway moist, but the immediate priority should be ensuring proper positioning to allow secretion drainage and prevent aspiration.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Test your blood glucose level every 8 hours.": This is incorrect. During illness, blood glucose levels should be checked more frequently, typically every 2 to 4 hours, to closely monitor for hyperglycemia and prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Checking every 8 hours may not be frequent enough, especially if the client is ill or experiencing stress, both of which can affect blood sugar.
B. "Check your urine for ketones when blood glucose levels are greater than 240 mg/dL.": This is the correct instruction. When blood glucose levels exceed 240 mg/dL, it is important to check for ketones in the urine. The presence of ketones can indicate the development of DKA, and early detection can prevent the condition from worsening.
C. "Withhold your usual daily dose of insulin.": This is incorrect. Insulin should never be withheld during periods of illness unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Withholding insulin can increase the risk of DKA, as the body will continue to break down fat for energy in the absence of insulin, leading to ketosis.
D. "Drink 240 to 360 milliliters of calorie-free liquids every 8 hours.": This is not entirely correct. While staying hydrated is important, the recommendation is generally to drink more frequently, ideally 8 ounces of fluid every hour to stay well-hydrated. It is also recommended to drink fluids that contain some carbohydrates (such as electrolyte-containing drinks) to help manage blood glucose levels during illness.

A. Take the medication with meals. B. Rinse the mouth after administration. C. Check the pulse after medication administration. D. Limit caffeine intake.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Taking inhaled beclomethasone with meals is not necessary, as this medication works locally in the lungs and does not require food to be absorbed or tolerated.
B. Rinsing the mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone is important to prevent the development of oral thrush (a fungal infection) and reduce the risk of other side effects, such as hoarseness.
C. Checking the pulse after medication administration is not required for beclomethasone. While some medications affect heart rate, inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone are not typically associated with this effect.
D. Limiting caffeine intake is not necessary when using beclomethasone. Caffeine is a stimulant that may interact with some medications, but it does not typically interfere with corticosteroids used in asthma treatment.

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After observing blood-tinged mucous when suctioning a patient who has just arrived on the medical-surgical unit after a laryngectomy, which action by the nurse is best?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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