When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

Just before arterial blood gasses are drawn peripherally.

Prior to attempting a cardiac output calculation.

To assess for presence of a deep vein thrombus in the leg.

When pulmonary artery pressures are obtained.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Allen's test is a procedure used to assess the patency of the ulnar artery and the collateral circulation of the hand. It is performed to determine the adequacy of collateral circulation before obtaining arterial blood gases from the radial artery. The test helps ensure that the ulnar artery is functioning properly and can supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is used for blood sampling or other invasive procedures.

The test involves occluding both the ulnar and radial arteries while the patient clenches their fist. The nurse then releases pressure on the ulnar artery while maintaining occlusion of the radial artery. The hand should quickly regain normal coloration, indicating adequate collateral circulation.
It's important to note that the Allen's test is specific to the assessment of collateral circulation in the hand and is not used for other purposes such as assessing deep vein thrombosis, cardiac output calculation, or obtaining pulmonary artery pressures.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) This option is unnecessary because droplet precautions do not require a particulate filter mask. Particulate filter masks are needed for airborne precautions. Sending the UAP for fitting delays care without providing additional safety benefits for droplet precautions.

B) While a standard face mask is appropriate for droplet precautions, the part about getting fitted for a filter mask is unnecessary. It implies that a particulate filter mask is needed, which it is not for droplet precautions. This option also incorrectly suggests that vital signs can be obtained with a standard mask, but personal care requires a particulate filter mask, which is not accurate.

C) Droplet precautions require the use of a standard face mask, not a particulate filter mask (such as an N95 respirator). Particulate filter masks are required for airborne precautions, which are necessary for diseases like tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. For droplet precautions, a standard surgical mask is adequate to prevent the transmission of infections like influenza. Thus, the UAP can safely provide care to the client with flu-like symptoms by wearing a standard face mask.

D) This option is unnecessary because a particulate filter mask is not required for droplet precautions. Changing assignments based on this criterion is not needed and could disrupt the workflow without enhancing safety. The focus should be on ensuring staff understand and use the appropriate PPE for droplet precautions.

A. Genetically inherited disorders of family members. B. Frequency of laxative use for chronic constipation. C. Length and frequency of the client's tobacco use. D. Ingestion of shellfish or fish oil capsules daily.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Incorrect- Genetically inherited disorders of family members: While a family history of certain disorders might provide some insight, it is not typically the primary cause of elevated serum magnesium levels in an older adult.
B) Correct- Elevated serum magnesium levels are commonly associated with chronic laxative use, especially those containing magnesium-based compounds. Laxatives can lead to excessive magnesium intake, causing hypermagnesemia.
C. Incorrect- Smoking is not a common cause of elevated serum magnesium levels.

D. Incorrect- While dietary sources can contribute to magnesium intake, chronic laxative use is a more likely cause in this context.

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When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to a client with flu-like symptoms who has been placed on droplet precautions. The UAP requests a change in assignment, stating she has not yet been fitted for a particulate filter mask. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse discovers that an older client with no history of cardiac or renal disease has an elevated serum magnesium level. To further investigate the cause of this electrolyte imbalance, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the client's medical history?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When the nurse enters the room of a male client who was admitted for a fractured femur, his cardiac monitor displays a normal sinus rhythm (NSR), but he has no spontaneous respirations and his carotid pulse is not palpable. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

The mother of a 2-day-old infant girl expresses concern about a "flea bite" type rash on her daughter's body. The nurse identifies a pink papular rash with vesicles superimposed over the thorax, back, buttocks, and abdomen. Which explanation should the nurse offer?

Patient Data History and Physical Nurses' Notes Laboratory Results Flow Sheet Exhibits here Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory result, and flow sheet. What information should the nurse collect as part of the focused assessment for dehydration in this child? Select all that apply.

A client with a history of lung cancer reluctantly comes to the clinic because of persistent hoarseness and a chronic cough. The client's respirations are labored when speaking and the capillary refill is 3 seconds. Which additional finding warrants intervention by the nurse?

The parent of a child born with a myelomeningocele asks the nurse, "What did I do to deserve this?" Which response is most helpful?

A 3-year-old boy with a congenital heart defect is brought to the clinic by his mother because he has a fever and an earache. During the assessment, the mother asks the nurse why her child is at the 5th percentile for weight and height for his age. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?