The nurse is surprised to detect an elevated temperature (102 °F) in a patient scheduled for surgery. The patient has been afebrile and shows no other signs of being febrile. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

Validate the finding

Document the finding

Inform the surgeon

Inform the charge nurse

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Validate the finding:

Validating the finding involves rechecking the patient's temperature using a different thermometer or method to confirm the accuracy of the initial measurement. This step is crucial to rule out any potential errors or issues with the measurement.

B. Document the finding:

Once the finding has been validated and confirmed, the nurse should document the elevated temperature accurately in the patient's medical record. Documentation is essential for communication among the healthcare team and for tracking changes in the patient's condition over time.

C. Inform the surgeon:

If the elevated temperature is confirmed and the patient is scheduled for surgery, it is important to inform the surgeon promptly. The surgeon needs to be aware of any changes in the patient's health status that may impact the decision to proceed with the scheduled surgery.

D. Inform the charge nurse:

Informing the charge nurse may be appropriate, especially if there are specific protocols or procedures in place within the healthcare facility for addressing unexpected changes in a patient's condition. The charge nurse can provide guidance and coordinate appropriate actions.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Lub-dub sounds:

This describes the normal heart sounds, with the "lub" representing the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves (S1) and the "dub" representing the closing of the aortic and pulmonic valves (S2). This is the typical and expected sound of a healthy heart.

B. Gentle blowing or swooshing noise:

This describes the characteristic sound of a heart murmur. Murmurs are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, and they are often described as a gentle blowing or swooshing noise heard between the normal heart sounds.

C. Scratchy, leathery heart noise:

This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart sounds are usually described in terms of tones, clicks, or swooshing rather than scratchy or leathery.

D. Abrupt, high-pitched snapping noise:

This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart murmurs are generally characterized by a more continuous, blowing, or swooshing quality, rather than abrupt, high-pitched snapping noises.

A. Place the client on bed rest in supine position. B. Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough. C. Prepare to administer antibiotics. D. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Place the client on bed rest in supine position:

While bed rest might be appropriate for certain respiratory conditions, it is not a specific intervention for crackles. In fact, changing the client's position, such as having them sit up, may enhance lung function and help with breathing.

B. Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough:

This is the correct action. Repeating auscultation after having the client take deep breaths and cough can provide additional information about the nature of the crackles and may help clear the airways temporarily.

C. Prepare to administer antibiotics:

Administering antibiotics would be considered if the crackles are indicative of a respiratory infection. However, determining the need for antibiotics would require a more comprehensive assessment, including diagnostic tests.

D. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day:

Limiting fluid intake is not a direct intervention for crackles. This action is typically considered in conditions like heart failure where there is a risk of fluid overload. It is not the primary intervention for addressing crackles in the lungs.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is surprised to detect an elevated temperature (102 °F) in a patient scheduled for surgery. The patient has been afebrile and shows no other signs of being febrile. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nursing student is preforming a head-to-toe assessment on his patient with a history of mitral regurgitation. Instead of hearing normal heart sounds the student hears a murmur. Which of the following best describes the sound of a heart murmur?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is auscultating a client’s lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client’s circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid assessing bilaterally at the same time?

A nurse is caring for a client who has an electrical burn. With the client’s permission, the nurse is answering questions from the family about his status. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is completing the initial admission assessment and history for a critical client. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

Ordered: Digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg Available: Digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg per tablet Administer: _____tab(s)

A nurse is taking a blood pressure measurement to assess for orthostatic hypotension in a client. Which signs and symptoms will the nurse assess related to this condition? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is filling out an incident report after finding a client lying on the floor. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A nurse is auscultating the breath sounds of a client who has congestive heart failure. When the client exhales, the nurse hears bubbling, popping like sounds. The nurse should document this as which of the following adventitious breath sounds?

A nurse is preparing to measure a client’s level of oxygen saturation on a patient who has had a bilateral lower leg amputation. He noticed the patient’s hands are very edematous. The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to which of the following locations?