The nurse is caring for a client who has had an upper G.I. endoscopy. The client's vital signs must be taken every 30 minutes for two hours after the procedure. The nurse assigns an unlicensed assistant to take the vital signs. Two hours later, the assistant reports to client who was previously afebrile has now developed a temperature of 101.8°F. What should the nurse do in response to this reported data by the unlicensed assistant?

Promptly assess the client for a potential perforation

Tell the assistant to change thermometers and retake the temperature

Plan to give the client acetaminophen the lower temperature

Ask the assistant to bathe the client with tap water

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. A fever following an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be a sign of a serious complication, such as perforation, which could cause peritonitis. The nurse should promptly assess the client for other signs of perforation, such as abdominal pain, rigidity, or changes in vital signs. This is a critical and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
B. While it is important to ensure accurate temperature readings, a fever of 101.8°F in a post-procedural patient is concerning and warrants further investigation rather than just retaking the temperature. It may indicate a complication such as infection or perforation.
C. Administering acetaminophen to reduce the fever is not the first step. The nurse should prioritize investigating the underlying cause of the fever, as it could indicate a more serious complication like perforation, which would not be resolved by medication alone.
D. Bathing the client with tap water is not appropriate. A fever after a procedure should be investigated thoroughly rather than treated symptomatically without understanding the cause. The nurse should focus on assessing for complications first.

Nursing Test Bank

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Fever and chills are often indicative of infection, which may be a concern with TPN, but they are not typically the immediate concern if the TPN solution is not infusing.
B. Shakiness and diaphoresis (sweating) can occur due to hypoglycemia, which is a potential consequence of an interrupted TPN infusion. TPN provides glucose to the client, and a disruption in the infusion could cause a drop in blood sugar, leading to shakiness and diaphoresis.
C. Excessive thirst and urination are common symptoms of hyperglycemia or diabetes, but they are not typically seen with an interrupted TPN infusion.
D. Hypertension and crackles are more related to fluid overload or heart failure, which would not be an immediate concern in the case of an infusion pump malfunction for TPN.

A. Position head of bed at 10 degrees. B. Encourage fluid intake of 1500 mL/day. C. Cough and deep breathe every 8 hr. D. Obtain a sputum culture.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Positioning the head of the bed at 10 degrees is not sufficient for optimizing respiratory function. Typically, the head of the bed should be elevated to 30–45 degrees to help with breathing and reduce the risk of aspiration.
B. Encouraging fluid intake of 1500 mL/day may be too low for a client with pneumonia. Adequate hydration is important to thin mucus and help with expectoration, especially in the context of pneumonia. Typically, fluid intake should be higher unless contraindicated.
C. Coughing and deep breathing every 8 hours is insufficient. To prevent atelectasis and promote effective clearance of secretions in clients with pneumonia, coughing and deep breathing should be done more frequently, typically every 2 hours.
D. Obtaining a sputum culture is a priority for determining the specific pathogen causing the pneumonia and guiding antibiotic treatment. A sputum culture helps identify bacterial, viral, or fungal organisms that may be present, which is crucial for managing recurrent pneumonia, especially in an immunocompromised client with AIDS.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client and discovers the infusion pump with the client's total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not infusing. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is implementing a plan of care for a client who has AIDS with recurring pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is admitted to the nursing unit with a diagnosis of gastric ulcer. Which assessment finding by the nurse supports the client's diagnosis of gastric ulcer?

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing an older adult client whose son reports that the client has been sick with a respiratory illness for the past 6 days. Which of the following assessment findings is a manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client?

As a result of gastric resection, the client is at risk for developing dumping syndrome. The nurse should prepare a plan of care for this client based on knowledge that this problem stems primarily from which of the following gastrointestinal changes?

Which patient should the nurse assess first after receiving a change-of-shift report?

A nurse is instructing a client who has GERD about positions that can help minimize the effects of reflux during sleep. Which of the following statements indicates to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?