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?

Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.

Replace the dressing using a compression bandage.

Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue monitoring.

Document the findings in the electronic medical record.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Testing the fluid on the dressing for glucose is the immediate action the nurse should take. Clear fluid could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is often released following spinal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so a positive glucose test would confirm it is CSF.
Choice B rationale
Replacing the dressing using a compression bandage is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While it is important to manage the drainage and prevent infection, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.
Choice C rationale
Marking the drainage area with a pen and continuing to monitor is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While this can be part of ongoing wound care and monitoring, the nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is.

Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings in the electronic medical record is an important step, but it should not be the immediate action. The nurse first needs to identify what the clear fluid is, as it could indicate a complication from the surgery.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Reassuring the adolescent that experiencing phantom limb pain can be a normal post-surgical sensation is the correct choice. Phantom limb pain is a common occurrence after amputation and can be very distressing for the patient. The nurse should validate the patient’s experience and provide reassurance. Non-pharmacological interventions such as mirror therapy, visualization, and other cognitive-behavioral strategies can also be helpful.

Choice B rationale
Guiding the patient in moving the non-affected limb to override the sensation being experienced is not the most appropriate intervention. While some therapies for phantom limb pain involve focusing on the remaining limb, this should be done under the guidance of a trained therapist.

Choice C rationale
Telling the patient that the sensations of tingling and pain are not real is not an appropriate intervention. Although the limb is no longer there, the pain that the patient is experiencing is very real. It is important to validate the patient’s experience and provide appropriate interventions.

Choice D rationale
Affirming that a prosthetic with physical therapy will gradually improve the symptoms is not the most appropriate intervention. While using a prosthetic and engaging in physical therapy can help with overall recovery and adaptation after amputation, they do not directly address phantom limb pain. The pain is a result of mixed signals from the brain and nerves, and it requires specific interventions.

A. Color, clarity, and odor of urine. B. Patient’s ability to increase fluid intake. C. Patient allergies to antiseptic solutions. D. Previous history of urinary tract infections.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While the color, clarity, and odor of urine can provide important information about a patient’s overall health and hydration status, it is not the most crucial information to obtain before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter.
Choice B rationale
The patient’s ability to increase fluid intake can be important in managing various health conditions, but it is not the most important information to obtain before this procedure.
Choice C rationale
Knowing if a patient has allergies to antiseptic solutions is crucial before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. Using an antiseptic solution that a patient is allergic to can lead to serious complications.
Choice D rationale
While a previous history of urinary tract infections can inform the care and management of a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, it is not the most important information to obtain before the procedure.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who underwent a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma. The adolescent reports experiencing phantom limb pain. Which non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, which information about the patient is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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?