The practical nurse (PN) heard adventitious breath sounds while auscultating the lungs of an older adult who is receiving an IV of 5% dextrose in water (DW) at 100 mL/hour. Which action should the PN take next?
Report the findings to the charge nurse.
Review the last balance of intake and output.
Slow the DSW infusion rate to 50 ml/hour.
Document the findings and monitor the client.
The Correct Answer is A
The practical nurse (PN) who hears adventitious breath sounds while auscultating the lungs of an older adult who is receiving an IV of 5% dextrose in water (DW) at 100 mL/hour should report the findings to the charge nurse.
Adventitious breath sounds can be indicative of respiratory problems such as fluid accumulation or infection in the lungs. In this case, it is important for the PN to report the findings to the charge nurse to ensure appropriate action is taken to assess and manage the client's respiratory status.
incorrect:
B- Reviewing the last balance of intake and output is important for overall assessment but may not directly address the concern of adventitious breath sounds. It can provide additional information about the client's fluid balance, but it is not the next immediate action in response to the abnormal lung sounds.
C- Slowing the DSW infusion rate to 50 mL/hour is not the most appropriate action to take based solely on the presence of adventitious breath sounds. The abnormal lung sounds may be an indication of an underlying respiratory issue that needs further evaluation and intervention.
Adjusting the infusion rate without a comprehensive assessment and appropriate medical orders could potentially overlook the underlying cause.
D- Documenting the findings and monitoring the client is necessary, but it should not be the sole action taken. Reporting the findings to the charge nurse is crucial to ensure prompt assessment and appropriate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- Capillary refill time is a test that measures how quickly the blood returns to the tissues after pressure is applied and released on a nailbed or a fingertip. It is an indicator of peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion.
- To perform the capillary refill test, the examiner should press firmly on the nailbed or fingertip for a few seconds, then release the pressure and observe how long it takes for the normal color to return. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds .
- In the photo, the practical nurse (PN) applies and then releases pressure to a client's fingernail. Normal nail color returns in 2 seconds, which indicates a normal capillary refill time and adequate peripheral circulation. This is a normal and expected finding that does not require any further action, except for documentation.
- Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it reflects the appropriate and standard nursing practice of documenting any assessment findings in the client's chart. Option D also implies that the PN does not need to report, observe, or repeat anything else related to the capillary refill test, as it was done correctly and yielded normal results.
- Options A, B, and C are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect the appropriate or necessary actions for the PN to take after performing a normal capillary refill test.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Seizure precautions are measures taken to protect a client who is at risk of having a seizure, which is a sudden and abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movement, sensation, or consciousness. Seizure precautions include providing a safe environment, monitoring the client's vital signs and neurological status, administering anticonvulsant medications, and documenting the onset, duration, and characteristics of any seizure activity.
- One of the potential complications of a seizure is aspiration, which is the inhalation of foreign material into the lungs, such as saliva, vomit, or food. Aspiration can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. To prevent or treat aspiration, the practical nurse (PN) should ensure the ready availability of equipment to perform suctioning of the trachea, which is the tube that connects the mouth and nose to the lungs. Suctioning of the trachea involves inserting a catheter through the nose or mouth into the trachea and applying negative pressure to remove any secretions or debris from the airway.
- Therefore, option A is the correct answer, while options B, C, and D are incorrect.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
