The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. Which action should the nurse implement immediately?

Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.

Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.

Change the dressing using a compression bandage.

Document the findings in the electronic medical record.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.
This is the correct action. Clear fluid on a dressing after lumbar spinal surgery could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Testing the fluid for glucose is essential because CSF contains glucose, whereas normal wound drainage does not. A positive glucose test would confirm the presence of CSF, indicating a potential complication that requires immediate medical attention.

B. Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.
While monitoring the size of the drainage area can be useful, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first determine whether the clear fluid is CSF.

C. Change the dressing using a compression bandage.
Changing the dressing might be necessary, but using a compression bandage without first identifying the nature of the fluid could be inappropriate and potentially harmful if the fluid is CSF.

D. Document the findings in the electronic medical record.
Documentation is important, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse needs to identify the nature of the fluid first.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A. Neurological status: Assessing the neurological status is crucial in the primary survey to

determine the client's level of consciousness, pupil reactions, and response to stimuli. This helps in identifying any potential brain injury or neurological deficits resulting from the fall.

B. Circulation: Evaluating circulation involves assessing the client's heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral perfusion. In this scenario, the client's heart rate and blood pressure are provided in the nurse's notes, indicating the need to assess circulation as part of the primary survey.

C. Current medications: While important for the overall assessment and care of the client, assessing current medications is typically part of the secondary survey rather than the primary survey. The primary survey focuses on immediate life-threatening conditions.

D. Allergies: While allergies are essential information for the client's overall care, they are typically addressed during the secondary survey or during the history-taking process rather than as part of the primary survey.

E. Exposure: Assessing exposure involves ensuring the client is adequately covered and protected from environmental factors, especially in trauma situations where there may be significant blood loss or risk of hypothermia. This includes removing clothing to assess for additional injuries or bleeding.

F. Ventilation: While ventilation is crucial for assessing the client's respiratory status, including respiratory rate and effort, it is typically part of the primary survey rather than the primary survey itself. Assessing ventilation helps determine if the client is adequately breathing and oxygenating.

A. Improved visual acuity. B. Granulating tissue in foot ulcer. C. Full volume of pedal pulses. D. Reduced level of pain.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Improved visual acuity.
Pregabalin does not affect visual acuity. This medication is primarily used to manage neuropathic pain.

B. Granulating tissue in foot ulcer.
While important, this is not directly related to the effectiveness of pregabalin, which is prescribed for neuropathic pain, not wound healing.

C. Full volume of pedal pulses.
This reflects peripheral circulation but is not an indicator of the effectiveness of pregabalin for neuropathic pain.

D. Reduced level of pain.
This is the correct answer because pregabalin is used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and a reduction in pain indicates the medication is effective.

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The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. Which action should the nurse implement immediately?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits The nurse inspects the airway. There is no visible trauma, and the airway appears to be patent. What other assessment items are included in the primary survey? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A client with diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been taking pregabalin for 4 days. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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