The practical nurse (PN) notes that an older female client has developed a nonproductive cough and seems more confused than the previous day. Vital signs are temperature 99.8°F (37.66°C); pulse 94; respirations 22; and blood pressure (BP) 108/54. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?

Monitor the client's temperature hourly.

Offer the client fluids frequently.

Provide care to moisten oral mucosa.

Report the findings to the charge nurse.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Correct Answer: D. Report the findings to the charge nurse.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the client's temperature hourly may be indicated if the client's condition deteriorates or if there are specific concerns about fever. However, the temperature of 99.8°F (37.66°C) is not significantly elevated and may not be the primary concern in this situation.

Choice B rationale:

Offering the client fluids frequently is a good nursing practice, but it is not the most important intervention in this case. The client's nonproductive cough and increased confusion need to be addressed and reported first.

Choice C rationale:

Providing care to moisten oral mucosa is important for maintaining oral health and preventing dryness and discomfort. However, it may not directly address the client's current symptoms of cough and confusion.

Choice D rationale:

Reporting the findings to the charge nurse is the most crucial intervention. The client's nonproductive cough and increased confusion may be indicative of an underlying issue, such as a respiratory infection or a change in neurological status. The charge nurse can initiate further assessments, notify the healthcare provider, and implement appropriate interventions to address the client's condition promptly. Timely reporting and communication are essential to ensure the client receives appropriate care.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

These are the correct supplies for the PN to gather because they are needed to remove the saline lock safely and prevent bleeding or infection. The PN should wear exam gloves to protect themselves and the client from contamination, apply a small gauze pad over the insertion site and secure it with paper tape after removing the saline lock.

C. A three mL syringe is not needed to remove a saline lock and may cause confusion or harm if used incorrectly.

E. Sterile gloves are not needed to remove a saline lock and may be wasteful or unnecessary.

A. Record the findings and report the symptoms to the charge nurse B. Ask the family members to visit more often to stimulate the client C. Motivate the client by offering favorite foods as a prize D. Withhold any medications that may cause these side effects

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A: Record the findings and report the symptoms to the charge nurse.

Choice A rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should first record the client's findings, including the progressively decreasing appetite, increased daytime bed hours, and refusal to participate in planned activities. This documentation is essential for accurate communication and continuity of care. After recording the findings, the PN should promptly report the symptoms to the charge nurse. Reporting allows for timely intervention and assessment by the charge nurse or other healthcare providers to address the client's issues effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Asking family members to visit more often is not the best action to take in this situation. While family support is important, the client's symptoms suggest possible underlying health concerns that need professional evaluation and management. Relying solely on increased family visits might delay appropriate healthcare interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Motivating the client by offering their favorite foods as a prize might not be appropriate at this stage. The client's decreased appetite and refusal to participate in activities could be indicators of underlying health issues that need to be addressed first. Moreover, encouraging unhealthy eating habits as a "prize”. could be counterproductive to the client's well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Withholding medications that may cause side effects is not a suitable action without consulting the healthcare provider responsible for the client's care. Abruptly stopping medications could lead to adverse effects or complications, and it is essential to involve the healthcare team in making decisions about medication management.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) prepares to remove a client's saline lock. Which supplies should the PN gather? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

During the past 30 days, an elderly client has exhibited a progressively decreasing appetite, is spending increasing amounts of the daytime hours in bed, and refuses to participate in planned daytime activities. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The parents of a one-year-old child with the diagnosis of hypospadias informed the practical nurse (PN) that they plan to delay corrective surgery to see if the child will outgrow the problem. Which information should the PN provide to these parents?

The practical nurse (PN) observes a client’s initial postoperative dressing, which is saturated with serosanguinous fluid, and a drainage device that appears partially compressed. Which follow-up actions should the PN implement? (Select all that apply.).

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A 15-year-old adolescent male with a mild mental disability is hospitalized for minor surgery and tells the practical nurse (PN), "Wow! You have big breasts." Which response is best for the PN to provide?

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The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who has a prescription for loratadine by mouth daily as needed. Which sign indicates to the PN that there is a need to administer the medication?

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