The practical nurse (PN) observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performing oral hygiene on an unconscious client who is lying in a flat side-lying position with an emesis basin on a towel under the chin. Which action should the PN take?
Enroll the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care.
Praise the UAP for doing the oral hygiene but encourage family participation.
Tell the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely.
Stop the procedure and tell the UAP to place the client in a Fowler's position.
None
None
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: Enrollment in a remedial education class is unnecessary because the UAP is currently demonstrating the correct, evidence-based technique for providing oral care to an unconscious client to prevent aspiration.
Choice B rationale: While positive reinforcement is beneficial, the primary focus should be on the clinical safety of the procedure. Encouraging family participation is secondary to ensuring the UAP maintains proper safety protocols.
Choice C rationale: The side-lying position, combined with a towel and basin under the chin, allows secretions to drain out of the mouth by gravity. This is the safest position to prevent aspiration.
Choice D rationale: Placing an unconscious client in Fowler's position increases the risk of the tongue falling back and secretions being aspirated into the lungs. The flat, side-lying position is much safer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While measuring urinary output is an important nursing intervention, it may not be the most critical action for a client with left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure primarily affectspulmonary circulation, and assessing lung sounds is a priority in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Checking mental acuity is a valid nursing intervention, but it may not be the most crucial action for a client with left-sided heart failure. The priority in this case is to monitor respiratory status and identify any signs of respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale:
Inspecting for sacral edema is also a relevant nursing intervention, as it can indicate fluid retention in heart failure patients. However, auscultating the lung fields takes precedence in this scenario to assess for signs of pulmonary congestion, which is a common complication of left-sided heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Croup is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airway, resulting in a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor. The PN should monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry, as it can indicate the severity of the airway obstruction and the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions.

The other options are not correct because:
A. Instructing the mother to play with the child for stimulation and distraction may worsen the child's condition, as it can increase his respiratory demand and anxiety.
B. Administering a dose of acetaminophen as needed may help reduce fever or pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of croup or improve airway patency.
D. Encouraging the child to drink adequate amounts of fluids may help prevent dehydration and thin the secretions, but it does not relieve the inflammation or narrowing of the airway.
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