The patient is a 49-year-old male who has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for 4 days.

He came to the emergency department (ED) last night when his breathing difficulties increased. He has a history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.

He has no significant medical or surgical history.

Which two orders should the nurse prioritize?

Chest x-ray

Run 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour

Sputum culture

Start oxygen 3 L/minute via nasal cannula

Start a peripheral IV

Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 6 hours for temperature greater than 38.3° C .

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,D

Choice A rationale
A chest x-ray is a critical diagnostic tool for a patient presenting with flu-like symptoms, fever, chest congestion, and increased breathing difficulties. It can help identify conditions such as pneumonia or other lung diseases, which could be causing the patient’s symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While hydration is important, running a 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour is not the most immediate need for this patient. The patient’s symptoms are primarily respiratory, and there is no indication of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture could be useful for diagnosing bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. However, it is not the most immediate need for this patient, as the results of a culture test can take time to come back.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Given the patient’s increased breathing difficulties, starting oxygen therapy can help improve the patient’s oxygen levels and ease their breathing.
Choice E rationale

Starting a peripheral IV might be necessary for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the most immediate need in this scenario.
Choice F rationale
While controlling the patient’s fever is important, it is not as immediate a need as performing a chest x-ray and starting oxygen therapy.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Ceasing the use of the nasal cannula would interrupt the client’s oxygen therapy, which could potentially worsen their condition. Therefore, this is not the best course of action.
Choice B rationale
Reducing the flow rate to 1 L/minute may not be appropriate as the client’s oxygen needs may not be met at a lower flow rate. The redness under the chin is likely due to the friction from the cannula tubing, not the flow rate of the oxygen.
Choice C rationale
Applying lubricant to the cannula tubing may not be effective in preventing skin breakdown and could potentially cause additional discomfort or complications for the client.
Choice D rationale
Attaching padding around the cannula tubing can help reduce the friction between the tubing and the skin, which can help prevent skin breakdown. This is the most appropriate action to take in this situation.

A. Offer the client oral fluids B. Feed the client a snack C. Assess the breath sounds D. Empty the urinary drainage bag

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can offer fluids to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice B rationale
Feeding the client a snack is a task that the UAP may perform, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can provide a snack to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is within the scope of practice for a nurse, not a UAP. While it’s important to monitor a client’s respiratory status, this action is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate action for the UAP to take each time the client is turned. This action helps to prevent infection, maintain accurate intake and output records, and ensure the comfort and dignity of the client.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse notices redness under the chin of a client who is receiving oxygen at 2 L/minute via a nasal cannula. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized older client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. Which additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to take each time the client is turned?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

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