One hour after arriving on the postoperative unit, a woman who received spinal anesthesia 5 hours ago is complaining of severe abdominal incisional pain. Her vital signs are: temperature 99° F (37.2° C), heart rate 110 beats/minute, respiratory rate 30 breaths/minute and blood pressure 160/90 mmHg. The client's skin is pale, and the surgical dressing is dry and Intact. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to Implement?

Provide pillow for splinting.

Assess the IV site for patency.

Place in a high Fowler position.

Administer an IV analgesic.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The client is experiencing severe abdominal incisional pain, and her vital signs indicate an elevated heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These signs suggest that the client is in distress and may be experiencing pain-related complications.

Assessing the IV site for patency is crucial to ensure that the client is receiving the prescribed IV analgesic medication effectively. If the IV site is not patent or if there is any obstruction, the administration of IV analgesics may be delayed, resulting in inadequate pain relief for the client.

While providing a pillow for splinting can offer comfort and support to the client, it is not the most critical intervention in this situation. Placing the client in a high Fowler position may help with pain management, but it is not the priority at this moment. Administering an IV analgesic is an appropriate intervention, but before doing so, it is essential to ensure that the IV site is patent.

Nursing Test Bank

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Delegation involves assigning tasks to individuals who have the appropriate skills and competence to perform them safely and effectively. Inserting urinary catheters for uncomplicated clients is a task that can be delegated to a practical nurse. It is a common procedure within the scope of practice for a practical nurse, and it does not require the level of assessment and critical thinking involved in evaluating and updating plans of care or receiving a postoperative client and conducting an assessment.

Verifying the readiness of clients for discharge typically involves comprehensive assessments, coordination with other healthcare professionals, and decision-making regarding the appropriateness of discharge. This task is generally performed by registered nurses (RNs) or other members of the healthcare team with advanced training.

Evaluating and updating plans of care for clients is a responsibility that falls within the scope of practice of registered nurses. It requires a higher level of assessment, clinical judgment, and decision-making, which are typically beyond the scope of practice of a practical nurse.

Receiving a postoperative client and conducting the assessment involves comprehensive assessment skills and critical thinking, which are typically within the scope of practice of a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse.

A. Coarse breath sounds. B. Rust colored sputum. C. Unexplained fatigue. D. Clubbed fingernails.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client's history of lung cancer, persistent hoarseness, chronic cough, and labored respirations when speaking indicate potential respiratory complications. Coarse breath sounds may suggest the presence of airway obstruction or fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can be indicative of a worsening condition.

The nurse should intervene promptly by assessing the client's respiratory status further, providing appropriate respiratory support, and notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After receiving a change of shift report for clients on a medical surgical unit, which activity should the nurse delegate to the practical nurse (PN)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with a history of lung cancer reluctantly comes to the clinic because of persistent hoarseness and a chronic cough. The client's respirations are labored when speaking and the capillary refill is 3 seconds. Which additional finding warrants intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis. The client reports having had prior sexually transmitted infections. Which response should the nurse provide?

The nurse is preparing to administer a suspension ampicillin labeled, 250 mg/5 mL, to a child with impetigo. The prescription is for 500 mg four times a day. How many mL should the child receive per day? (Enter numeric value only.)

A client is receiving a secondary infusion of erythromycin 1 grams in 100 mL dextrose 5% in water (DW) to be infused in 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse program the infusion pump?

The nurse has completed the diet teaching of a client who is being discharged following treatment of a leg wound. A high protein diet is encouraged to promote wound healing. Which lunch choice by the client indicates that the teaching was effective?

Which breakfast selection should the nurse recommend for a 16-year-old with diarrhea?

The nurse is planning to administer two medications to a client at 0900. Which property of the drugs, if shared by both drugs, indicates a need to closely monitor the client for drug toxicity?