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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Dorsal surface of the foot:

The skin on the dorsal surface of the foot may have more pigmentation, making it potentially more challenging to detect cyanosis in individuals with dark skin.

B. Pinnae of the ears:

The ears may have variable pigmentation, and the presence of hair can affect the visibility of cyanosis. The skin on the pinnae may not be as thin as the skin on the dorsal surface of the hand.

C. Dorsal surface of the hand

When assessing for cyanosis in a client with dark skin, the nurse should examine areas with less pigmentation or areas where the skin is thin. The dorsal surface of the hand is often a suitable site, as it is less pigmented and can show bluish discoloration if cyanosis is present.

D. Conjunctivae:

The conjunctivae (the mucous membranes lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eyes) are not a reliable site for assessing cyanosis in individuals with dark skin. Mucous membranes may not show cyanosis as prominently as the skin.

A. Performs auscultation between meals B. Clamps the Naso Gastric tube during auscultation C. Palpates the abdomen prior to performing auscultation. D. Auscultates bowel sounds for 3 to 5 min

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Performs auscultation between meals:

Auscultating bowel sounds between meals is suitable as it allows for better detection of bowel sounds when digestion is not actively occurring.

B. Clamps the Naso Gastric tube during auscultation

Clamping the Naso Gastric (NG) tube during auscultation is appropriate. The NG tube when unclamped allows the free passage of air and fluid through the gastrointestinal tract. This could interfere with the natural sounds produced by the movement of air and fluid in the intestines, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment of bowel sounds.

C. Palpates the abdomen prior to performing auscultation:

Palpating the abdomen before auscultation may interfere with normal bowel sounds

D. Auscultates bowel sounds for 3 to 5 min:

Auscultating bowel sounds for a sufficient duration (3 to 5 minutes) is appropriate to comprehensively assess the presence, frequency, and character of bowel sounds.

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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 nurse is assessing for cyanosis in a client who has dark skin. Which of the following sites should the nurse examine to identify cyanosis in this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nursing instructor is observing a nursing student auscultating a client’s bowel sounds. Which of the following actions might require the instructor’s intervention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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