A client is scheduled for a thoracentesis that will be done at the bedside. What should the practical nurse (PN) prepare before the healthcare provider arrives to perform the procedure?
Gather the procedure tray and equipment.
Cleanse the site and cover with a sterile towel.
Keep the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) and encourage them to void.
Place the patient in an orthopneic position.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Gather the procedure tray and equipment.
Choice A rationale:
The practical nurse should gather the necessary procedure tray and equipment to ensure everything is ready for the healthcare provider to perform the thoracentesis efficiently and safely.
Choice B rationale:
Cleansing the site and covering it with a sterile towel is part of the procedure itself and should be done by the healthcare provider performing the thoracentesis.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) and encouraging them to void is not necessary for a thoracentesis. This procedure typically does not require the patient to be NPO.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the patient in an orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning forward) is important for the procedure, but it should be done closer to the time of the procedure, not necessarily as a preparatory step.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Keeping the head of the bed raised 45 degrees is a crucial intervention in septic shock. This position helps improve oxygenation and reduces the risk of aspiration. It promotes better lung function and can help maintain a higher mean arterial pressure, which is important in the management of sepsis.
Choice B rationale:
Maintaining strict intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance, but it is not the most critical intervention when a client is in septic shock. Hemodynamic stability and oxygenation take precedence in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is an essential aspect of care, especially in critically ill patients. However, it is not the most important intervention in the immediate management of septic shock.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing the warmth of extremities is important for circulatory assessment, but it is not the most crucial intervention in septic shock. Hemodynamic support and maintaining oxygenation are higher priorities.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Review the client's serum calcium level. Rationale: Checking the client's serum calcium level is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Hand and finger spasms during blood pressure measurement are more likely due to discomfort or muscle tension than a calcium deficiency. There is no immediate indication that the client's calcium level needs to be assessed urgently.
Choice B rationale:
Administer an as-needed (PRN) antianxiety medication. Rationale: Administering an antianxiety medication is not indicated in this situation. The client's symptoms of hand and finger spasms during blood pressure measurement are not likely related to anxiety. It is essential to address the immediate issue of obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading.
Choice C rationale:
Ask the UAP to take the blood pressure in the other arm. Rationale: This is the correct answer. When the UAP reports spasms in the client's right hand and fingers while taking blood pressure using the same arm, the nurse should prioritize obtaining an accurate blood pressure measurement. Asking the UAP to use the other arm can help ensure a more reliable reading. Muscle spasms in the arm being used for blood pressure measurement can lead to inaccurate results.
Choice D rationale:
Tell the UAP to use a different sphygmomanometer. Rationale: In this scenario, the issue appears to be related to muscle spasms in the client's hand and fingers rather than the sphygmomanometer itself. Changing the sphygmomanometer is unlikely to resolve the problem. The priority is to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading by addressing the spasms in the arm being used.
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