The nurse identifies several nursing problems for an older adult client with gastroenteritis who is experiencing fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea.
The client has a history of a stroke with left-sided hemiplegia and is dependent on care provided by the spouse. Which problem should the nurse determine has the highest priority?

Fluid volume deficit.

Impaired bed mobility.

Caregiver role strain.

Bowel incontinence.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
In a client with gastroenteritis experiencing fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea, fluid volume deficit is a major concern. Diarrhea and fever can both lead to significant fluid loss. If not addressed, fluid volume deficit can lead to serious complications such as hypovolemic shock.
Choice B rationale
While impaired bed mobility may be a concern due to the client’s history of stroke, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The immediate physiological needs related to the client’s gastroenteritis and potential fluid volume deficit should be addressed first.
Choice C rationale
Caregiver role strain may be a concern given that the client is dependent on care provided by the spouse. However, this psychosocial issue is not the highest priority when the client is experiencing acute physical symptoms that need immediate attention.
Choice D rationale
Bowel incontinence could be a concern for a client with gastroenteritis. However, the risk of fluid volume deficit due to diarrhea and fever is a more immediate concern.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choiceB. Confirm that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist.

Choice A rationale:

Reminding the UAP to wash hands frequently while in the room is important for infection control, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The UAP has already donned gloves, which are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for contact precautions. Hand hygiene is crucial before and after patient contact and after removing gloves, but ensuring the gown is properly secured takes precedence to prevent contamination.

Choice B rationale:

Confirming that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist is essential to ensure that the UAP is fully protected from potential contamination.A properly secured gown prevents the UAP’s clothing from coming into contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces, which is critical in maintaining effective contact precautions.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the UAP with the application of a face mask or face shield is necessary for droplet or airborne precautions, not specifically for contact precautions.Since the scenario involves contact precautions, the focus should be on the gown and gloves.

Choice D rationale:

Helping the UAP reposition the gown sleeve over the glove edges is not necessary because the UAP has already secured the tops of the gloves over the gown sleeves.This method is appropriate as it prevents the sleeves from becoming contaminated.

A. Provide a high-calorie, high-protein diet B. Begin parenteral antibiotic therapy C. Administer antiemetic agents D. Bivalve the cast for distal compromise .

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While a high-calorie, high-protein diet can be beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or illness, it is not the immediate next step after collecting bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applying a cast to a patient’s lower leg. The priority is to address the infection identified through the bone aspirate specimens.

Choice B rationale
Beginning parenteral antibiotic therapy is the appropriate next step after collecting bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity in a patient with osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone, and antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment. Therefore, this choice is the correct answer.
Choice C rationale
Administering antiemetic agents would be appropriate if the patient were experiencing nausea or vomiting. However, there is no indication in the question that the patient is experiencing these symptoms. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer.
Choice D rationale
Bivalving the cast for distal compromise would be appropriate if there were signs of compromised circulation or nerve function below the level of the cast. However, there is no indication in the question that the patient is experiencing these issues. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to provide personal care for a patient who requires contact precautions. The UAP has put on a gown and gloves and has secured the tops of the gloves over the gown sleeves. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

An adolescent patient with a non-union of a comminuted fracture of the tibia is admitted with osteomyelitis. After the healthcare provider collects bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applies a cast to the adolescent’s lower leg, what should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which assessment finding is most crucial when planning to provide a complete bed bath to a bedfast client?

A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, intravenously (IV) at the rate of 8 mg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?

The parents of a 6-year-old child recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy express that their child wants to continue attending swimming classes. How should the nurse respond?

An adult patient visits the clinic expressing concern about a lump that appeared on their neck about a week ago. Upon examination, the nurse finds a large, non-tender, hardened left subclavian lymph node without any overlying tissue inflammation. What could these findings indicate?

The nurse notices the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a patient who has just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. What immediate action should the nurse take?