The nursing assistant is delivering patient meals.

What meal should the nurse expect to be delivered to a patient who had gastric bypass surgery the day before?

Choice A rationale
Informing the charge nurse is an important step, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse should first assess the situation before escalating it.
Choice B rationale
Applying a dressing under the client’s nose might help manage the drainage, but it does not address the underlying issue. The drainage could be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a serious condition that needs immediate attention.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client’s temperature is a general assessment and does not directly relate to the symptom of clear nasal drainage.
Choice D rationale
Testing the drainage for glucose is the correct action. Clear nasal drainage after a basal skull fracture could be a sign of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF contains glucose, so testing the drainage for glucose can help confirm if it’s CSF34.

Choice A rationale
A patient with acute pancreatitis sitting in a high Fowler’s position leaning over the bedside table may be experiencing discomfort, but it is not an immediate life-threatening situation.
Choice B rationale
A patient who had bariatric surgery and is reporting shoulder pain and heart racing could be experiencing complications such as a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition. This patient should be seen first.
Choice C rationale
A patient who is one-day post-op after an intestinal resection and colostomy and has no effluent in the bag may need further assessment, but it is not an immediate life-threatening situation.
Choice D rationale
A patient with cirrhosis reporting loose stools may be uncomfortable, but it is not an immediate life-threatening situation.