The practical nurse (PN) is providing instructions to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to give a total bed bath to an immobile client who has continuous feeding via a gastrostomy tube (GT). Which instruction is most important for the PN to emphasize?
Report any drainage observed around the GT insertion site.
Use plenty of pillows to position the client on the side after bathing.
Keep the head of the bed raised while the tube feeding is infusing.
Raise the entire bed while bathing the client to reduce back strain.
The Correct Answer is A
Monitoring for any drainage around the GT insertion site is crucial as it can indicate infection, inflammation, or other complications. Infection or displacement of the GT can lead to serious complications, and early detection is important for prompt intervention. By emphasizing the need to report any drainage, the PN ensures that any concerning signs or symptoms related to the GT are promptly addressed by the healthcare team.
The other options are also important considerations, but they are not as critical as monitoring for drainage around the GT insertion site:
B. Using plenty of pillows to position the client on the side after bathing: This instruction is important for ensuring client comfort and preventing pressure ulcers, but it is not directly related to the client's GT or feeding.
C. Keeping the head of the bed raised while the tube feeding is infusing: This instruction is important to prevent aspiration and promote proper digestion and absorption of the tube feeding. However, it is not the most crucial instruction in this specific scenario.
D. Raising the entire bed while bathing the client to reduce back strain: This instruction is important for the UAP's ergonomic well-being and prevention of back strain. While it is a valid instruction, it is not directly related to the client's GT or feeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
While caring for a client with Guillain-Barre syndrome, the practical nurse (PN) should report the finding of irregular heart rate to the charge nurse. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a neurological disorder that can affect multiple body systems, including the autonomic nervous system.
Autonomic dysfunction can lead to various cardiovascular abnormalities, such as changes in heart rate and rhythm.
However, irregular heart rate can indicate potential cardiac involvement or autonomic instability, which requires prompt evaluation and intervention. Therefore, the PN should report the finding of an irregular heart rate to the charge nurse for further assessment and appropriate management.
Incorrect:
A, B- Full facial flushing and profuse diaphoresis are common symptoms that can occur in Guillain-Barre syndrome due to autonomic dysfunction. While these findings should be noted and monitored, they may not require immediate reporting unless they are severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C- Lower leg weakness is a characteristic symptom of Guillain-Barre syndrome and is expected in this condition. The PN should document and monitor the extent and progression of weakness but does not necessarily need to report it unless there are significant changes or complications.
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.
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