On the first day after a cesarean section, a client who is a primipara is being assisted to the bathroom for the first time.

The client experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and notices that several blood clots are in the toilet. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

Choice A rationale:
A Speech Therapist is crucial in this case. The patient presented with garbled speech, which indicates a possible speech impairment. A speech therapist can evaluate the patient’s speech and language skills and provide therapy to improve any deficits, which can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Choice B rationale:
A Case Manager is essential in coordinating the patient’s care. They ensure that the patient’s healthcare needs are met and that the patient is receiving appropriate treatments. They also coordinate with various healthcare professionals and may assist with insurance issues or discharge planning.
Choice C rationale:
A Physical Therapist can help the patient regain physical strength and mobility that might have been affected by the stroke. They can provide exercises and treatments to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, which can help the patient regain independence in their daily activities.
Choice D rationale:
A Pharmacy Technician is not typically involved in direct patient care or recovery. Their role is more focused on assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication and other administrative tasks in a pharmacy setting.
Choice E rationale:
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a high-level executive role that oversees nursing staff across an entire healthcare organization. While they play a crucial role in ensuring quality nursing care, they would not be directly involved in individual patient recovery.
Choice F rationale:
A Respiratory Therapist could be helpful if the patient had respiratory issues or complications related to the stroke, but given the information provided, it does not appear that respiratory therapy is needed in this case.
Choice G rationale:
A Medical Assistant typically performs administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings but does not specialize in rehabilitation or recovery care for stroke patients.
Choice H rationale:
An Occupational Therapist is vital for stroke recovery. They can help the patient regain skills needed for daily living activities that might have been affected by the stroke, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. They can also provide strategies to compensate for any lasting deficits from the stroke. In summary, for a comprehensive recovery plan for this patient who has had a stroke, an interdisciplinary team involving a Speech Therapist (A), Case Manager (B), Physical Therapist ©, and Occupational Therapist (H) would be most beneficial.

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the client alone to give them space is not an appropriate intervention for a client with depression and a history of suicide attempts. Isolation can increase feelings of hopelessness and despair, potentially leading to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Choice B rationale:

Removing any potential means of self-harm from the client's environment is the most essential intervention in this scenario. It is crucial to ensure the client's safety by eliminating access to items or substances that could be used for self-harm, such as medications, sharp objects, or other dangerous items. This intervention helps reduce the immediate risk of harm.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to confront their feelings of hopelessness is important in the long term, as it can be part of therapeutic interventions. However, it should not be the immediate priority when the client is at risk of self-harm. Ensuring their safety is paramount.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that they should be grateful for what they have is not an appropriate intervention. It can be perceived as dismissive of their feelings and may worsen their sense of hopelessness and isolation.