After the change-of-shift report, the practical nurse (PN) makes rounds on a postoperative unit. Which client finding necessitates the Immediate attention of the PN?

To prevent injury in a female client with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who is transferred to a long-term care facility for physical rehabilitation, the most important action for the practical nurse to implement is to ensure the client has minimal clutter in the room.

ITP is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which can result in an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Clutter in the room can pose a hazard and increase the risk of injury. The client may accidentally bump into objects or trip over items, potentially leading to falls or injuries.

Incorrect:

A- Assessing the client for nerve pain or paralysis is important but may not be directly related to preventing injury in this context. It is essential to address these concerns but not the most important action in preventing injury.

C- Evaluating the client's neurological status after exercising is important for overall assessment and monitoring but does not specifically address the prevention of injury.

D- Monitoring the client's blood cell laboratory values is essential for managing the client's condition but does not directly address preventing injury. It focuses more on the medical management of the client's ITP.

The practical nurse (PN) who hears adventitious breath sounds while auscultating the lungs of an older adult who is receiving an IV of 5% dextrose in water (DW) at 100 mL/hour should report the findings to the charge nurse.

Adventitious breath sounds can be indicative of respiratory problems such as fluid accumulation or infection in the lungs. In this case, it is important for the PN to report the findings to the charge nurse to ensure appropriate action is taken to assess and manage the client's respiratory status.

incorrect:

B- Reviewing the last balance of intake and output is important for overall assessment but may not directly address the concern of adventitious breath sounds. It can provide additional information about the client's fluid balance, but it is not the next immediate action in response to the abnormal lung sounds.

C- Slowing the DSW infusion rate to 50 mL/hour is not the most appropriate action to take based solely on the presence of adventitious breath sounds. The abnormal lung sounds may be an indication of an underlying respiratory issue that needs further evaluation and intervention.

Adjusting the infusion rate without a comprehensive assessment and appropriate medical orders could potentially overlook the underlying cause.

D- Documenting the findings and monitoring the client is necessary, but it should not be the sole action taken. Reporting the findings to the charge nurse is crucial to ensure prompt assessment and appropriate intervention.