The practical nurse (PN) finds a postoperative client lying in bed with an unsecured surgical dressing as seen in the picture. After reinforcing the dressing, which follow-up assessment is most important for the PN to implement?
Vital sign measurement.
Fluid volume intake and output.
Volume of peripheral pulses.
Incisional pain scale rating.
The Correct Answer is A
This is the most important follow-up assessment for the PN to implement because it can detect signs of bleeding, infection, or shock that may result from the unsecured surgical dressing. The PN should monitor the client's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate and report any abnormal changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Monitor the client's hearing. Choice A rationale:
Observing the skin for a rash is not relevant to assessing for signs of ototoxicity. Aminoglycosides can cause skin reactions, but this is not a specific sign of ototoxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the client's hearing is essential when administering aminoglycosides because these medications can cause ototoxicity, which is damage to the inner ear and auditory nerve leading to hearing loss or tinnitus. Regular hearing assessments can help detect any changes in hearing and prompt appropriate interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Measuring the urinary output is not directly related to assessing for ototoxicity.
Aminoglycosides can cause kidney toxicity, but this is a separate concern from ototoxicity. Choice D rationale:
Checking for changes in vision is not specifically associated with aminoglycoside administration. Vision changes are not a common side effect of these medications, so it would not be a primary assessment in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the factor that the PN should consider the most likely to increase the client's risk for falls because it can cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, or fainting, especially when the client changes position or gets up from bed or a chair. The PN should monitor the client's blood pressure and pulse before and after administering the medication and assist the client with ambulation and transfers.
A. An ankle ulcer that is healing slowly is not a major risk factor for falls and may not affect the client's mobility or balance.
B. History of alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking is not a major risk factor for falls unless the client is currently intoxicated or has a chronic lung disease that impairs oxygenation or cognition.
C. Recent weight gain of twenty pounds is not a major risk factor for falls unless it causes joint pain, edema, or difficulty moving.
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