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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While avoiding exposure to large crowds can help prevent infections, especially for patients with compromised immune systems, it is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Choice B rationale
While emotional support is important for patients dealing with health issues, calling a crisis hotline if feeling lonely is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Choice C rationale
This is the most crucial information for the patient. Acetaminophen is found in many over-the- counter medications, and further intake could exacerbate liver damage.
Choice D rationale
While a balanced diet is important for overall health, following a high carbohydrate, low fat, low protein diet is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.

A. Mix the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL. B. Dilute the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution. C. Request the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution. D. Administer the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV. .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Mixing the dextrose in a 50 mL piggyback for a total volume of 100 mL is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice B rationale
Diluting the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% normal saline solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. This would significantly dilute the dextrose, reducing its concentration and potentially making it less effective.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not the appropriate method for administering the medication. While dextrose is often a component of TPN solutions, in this case, the patient requires a concentrated dose of dextrose to treat insulin shock.

Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Administering the undiluted dextrose slowly through the currently infusing IV is the appropriate method for administering the medication. This allows for the rapid administration of a concentrated dose of glucose, which is necessary to quickly raise the patient’s blood glucose level in the case of insulin shock.

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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

A male adult is admitted due to an overdose of acetaminophen. After being transferred to the mental health unit, the patient is informed that he has liver damage. What is the most crucial information for the nurse to include in the patient’s discharge plan?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient with insulin shock. What is the appropriate method for administering the medication?

Correct Answer is D

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?