Exhibits

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Click on the "Exhibit" button for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)

A. Inspect the incision of a client who is postoperative following a leg amputation is incorrect. Inspecting an incision requires clinical assessment to identify signs of infection, dehiscence, or other complications, which should be performed by a licensed nurse.

B. Evaluate the need to suction the airway of a client who has a new tracheostomy is incorrect. Suctioning the airway of a client with a tracheostomy is a skilled task that requires assessment of the airway and airway management, which should be performed by a nurse.

C. Complete postmortem care for a client who has died is correct. Postmortem care, such as cleaning and preparing the body, is a task that can be delegated to an AP. The AP should not be involved in clinical assessments but can perform routine care under supervision.

D. Feed a client who has difficulty swallowing liquids following a stroke is incorrect. Feeding a client with swallowing difficulties requires careful monitoring and risk assessment for aspiration, which is outside the scope of tasks that can be delegated to an AP without proper training.

A. Covering the wound with sterile, saline-soaked gauze is correct. Evisceration occurs when abdominal contents protrude through a surgical wound. To prevent drying and further tissue damage, the nurse should immediately cover the exposed organs with sterile gauze moistened with saline to maintain moisture and reduce infection risk.

B. Holding gentle, direct pressure on the protruding organ is incorrect. Applying pressure can cause further damage to the exposed tissue and increase the risk of complications. Instead, the focus should be on protecting the organs and minimizing contamination.

C. Placing the client’s knees in an extended position is incorrect. Keeping the knees straight can increase tension on the wound. Instead, the nurse should position the client with the knees slightly flexed to reduce strain on the abdominal incision.

D. Raising the head of the bed to a 45° angle is incorrect. A high Fowler’s position can increase pressure on the wound. The nurse should place the client in a low Fowler’s position (supine with knees slightly flexed. to reduce tension and prevent further protrusion.