The practical nurse (PN) is assisting in a community center clinic when four clients simultaneously arrive seeking help. In which order should the PN prioritize care to be provided based on the client needs? (Arrange the client with the highest priority first, on top, and lowest priority last, on bottom.)

A 12-year-old child with history of asthma who is wheezing and complaining of shortness of breath.

A 7-year-old child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is experiencing extreme hunger and shakiness.

A 10-year-old child with bleeding lacerations on both knees after falling on the playground.

A 5-year-old child who is crying uncontrollably because of an incontinent bowel episode.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A,B,C,D

This client has the highest priority, as he or she may be experiencing an acute asthma attack that can compromise the airway and oxygenation. The PN should assess the client's respiratory status, administer bronchodilators, and monitor for improvement or deterioration.

B. A 7-year-old child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is experiencing extreme hunger and shakiness.

This client has the second highest priority, as he or she may be experiencing hypoglycemia, which is a low blood glucose level that can cause neurologic symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma. The PN should check the client's blood glucose level, provide a source of glucose, and monitor for recovery or complications.

C. A 10-year-old child with bleeding lacerations on both knees after falling on the playground.

This client has the third highest priority, as he or she may have a risk of infection or blood loss from the wounds. The PN should clean and dress the lacerations, apply pressure if needed, and check for signs of infection or inﬂammation.

D. A 5-year-old child who is crying uncontrollably because of an incontinent bowel episode.

This client has the lowest priority, as he or she does not have a life-threatening or urgent condition, but a psychosocial or emotional issue. The PN should provide comfort and reassurance to the child, change his or her clothes, and explore the possible causes of the incontinence.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

- A bowel pattern is the frequency, consistency, and appearance of a person's bowel movements. A normal bowel pattern is what's normal for each person, and it can vary depending on factors such as diet, age, physical activity, and health conditions.

- A focused gastrointestinal system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient's history of gastrointestinal disease, signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, diet and nutrition, and bowel patterns. It also includes inspecting and auscultating the abdomen for any abnormalities.

- When a client reports having a bowel movement three days ago, the first action that the practical nurse should implement is to determine the client's usual bowel pattern. This will help to evaluate if the client is experiencing constipation or if this is their normal frequency. It will also help to identify any changes or risk factors that may affect the client's bowel function.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer, while options A, C, and D are incorrect.

Option A is incorrect because administering a stool softener without assessing the client's bowel pattern may not be appropriate or effective.

Option C is incorrect because encouraging ambulation may help to stimulate bowel activity, but it is not the first action to take.

Option D is incorrect because recommending dietary changes may be helpful for preventing or treating constipation, but it is not the first action to take.

A. Request to have the client lie as still as possible for the assessment. B. Ask the client how often episodes of sundowning are experienced. C. Question the client about the frequency of falls in recent months. D. Assist the client with clarifying values about end-of-life care

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect - Requesting the client to lie still may be relevant for certain assessments, but it is not specific to the situation described in the question.
B) Incorrect - Inquiring about episodes of sundowning is more relevant for clients with cognitive impairment and is not directly related to the client's weight loss and decreased energy and appetite.
C) Correct - Questioning the client about the frequency of falls is important, as falls can contribute to weight loss, decreased energy, and appetite changes in older adults.
D) Incorrect - Assisting the client with clarifying values about end-of-life care is a valuable nursing intervention but is not the priority in this assessment scenario.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When performing a focused gastrointestinal system assessment, the practical nurse (PN) asks a male client when his last bowel movement occurred. The client answers, "Three days ago." Which action should the PN implement first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is performing a functional assessment on an older client who lost five pounds (2.27 Kg) of weight since the last visit 12 weeks ago, and who reports a decrease in energy and appetite. Which action should the nurse include during the assessment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A chronically depressed older male resident of a long-term care facility has become more reclusive and today refuses to leave his room. His family has moved away and are unable to visit as much as in the past. Which comment by the practical nurse (PN) is likely to be most helpful to this client?

A client is receiving mesalamine 800 mg by mouth three times a day. Which assessment should the nurse perform to assess the effectiveness of the medication?

An elderly client is 12-hours postoperative for a hernia repair and suddenly becomes agitated, staggers out into the corridor, and demands to be set free. After assisting the client back to bed and administering pain medication, which intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

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