The practical nurse (PN) notices that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the long- term care facility consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer.
Which action should the PN take first?
Demonstrate how to use the equipment
Observe how UAP obtains temperatures
Show UAP how to chart temperatures
Return the thermometer for recalibration
The Correct Answer is B
b) Observe how UAP obtains temperatures - Correct Answer
This is the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Observing how the UAP obtains temperatures will help the PN identify any errors or problems with the technique, equipment, or documentation. The PN can then provide feedback and guidance to the UAP to ensure accurate and reliable temperature measurements.
a) Demonstrate how to use the equipment.
This is not the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Demonstrating how to use the equipment may be helpful, but it should be done after observing how the UAP obtains temperatures and determining the cause of the discrepancy.
c) Show UAP how to chart temperatures.
This is not the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Showing UAP how to chart temperatures may be necessary, but it should be done after observing how the UAP obtains temperatures and verifying the accuracy of the data.
d) Return the thermometer for recalibration.
This is not the first action the PN should take when noticing that the UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Returning the thermometer for recalibration may be required, but it should be done after observing how the UAP obtains temperatures and ruling out any human or environmental factors that may affect the readings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Respiratory alkalosis.
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a loss of acid or an increase in bicarbonate in the body. This can be due to vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake. It is not typically associated with hyperventilation.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. This condition is often triggered by anxiety, fear, pain, or fever, all of which are present in this adolescent.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of acid or a loss of bicarbonate in the body. This can be due to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or severe diarrhea. It is not typically associated with hyperventilation.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of CO2 in the blood due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function. This condition is not consistent with hyperventilation, which reduces CO2 levels.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Gather the procedure tray and equipment.
Choice A rationale:
The practical nurse should gather the necessary procedure tray and equipment to ensure everything is ready for the healthcare provider to perform the thoracentesis efficiently and safely.
Choice B rationale:
Cleansing the site and covering it with a sterile towel is part of the procedure itself and should be done by the healthcare provider performing the thoracentesis.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) and encouraging them to void is not necessary for a thoracentesis. This procedure typically does not require the patient to be NPO.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the patient in an orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning forward) is important for the procedure, but it should be done closer to the time of the procedure, not necessarily as a preparatory step.
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