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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This is the highest priority task and should be completed first because it ensures the safety and quality of care for the clients. The PN should check that all new prescriptions have been administered, documented, and reported as ordered and that there are no errors or omissions.

A. Urinary output. B. Blood pressure while standing. C. Ability to swallow. D. Frequency of bowel movements.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis, which is inflammation of the mouth and throat. While monitoring urinary output is important in many situations, it is not relevant in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Blood pressure while standing is not directly related to stomatitis either. This assessment is more relevant for conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Choice C rationale:

Ability to swallow is crucial in the context of stomatitis. Stomatitis can cause painful sores in the mouth, making it difficult for the client to eat or drink. Assessing the client's ability to swallow will help determine the impact of stomatitis on their nutritional intake and overall well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. This assessment is more relevant for gastrointestinal issues or constipation, not for a condition affecting the mouth and throat.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) is preparing for shift change. Which task has the highest priority and should be completed first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) learns that a client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which information should the PN obtain from the client during a focused assessment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An older female client who resides in a long-term care facility has a male friend who often visits her in the evenings. The practical nurse (PN) enters the client's room to administer medications and finds the couple in bed together. What action should the PN take?

A client is being treated for hepatic failure. On examination, the client has an elevated pulse rate and exhibited changes in mental status. Which intervention in the plan of care should the practical nurse (PN) implement?

The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) tells the practical nurse (PN) that a male client is angry because the night shift took over 2 hours to bring him the pain medication he had to request three times. Which action should the PN implement first?

A male college student brings his roommate to the clinic because the roommate has been talking to someone who is not present. The client tells the practical nurse (PN) that the voices are saying, "Kill, kill.”. Which question should the PN ask the client next?

Which intervention is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

The mother of a school-aged boy tells the practical nurse (PN) that he fell out of a tree and hurt his arm and shoulder. Which assessment should the practical nurse (PN) note as the most significant indicator of possible child abuse?

A male client who has just been told he has cancer asks the practical nurse (PN) to leave his room so he can be alone. Which action should the PN implement?

During a home visit, the home health practical nurse (PN) observes an older client attempting to ambulate to the bathroom and notes that the client is unsteady and holds on to furniture while refusing any assistance. Which action should the PN implement?