Which actions should the practical nurse (PN) include when assessing a client for signs and symptoms of fluid volume excess? (Select all that apply.)
Palpate the rate and volume of the pulse.
Check fingernails for the presence of clubbing.
Measure body weight at the same time daily.
Observe the color and amount of urine.
Compare muscle strength of both arms.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
The PN should palpate the rate and volume of the pulse, measure body weight at the same time daily, and observe the color and amount of urine when assessing a client for signs and symptoms of fluid volume excess. These actions can help detect changes in the cardiovascular, renal, and fluid balance systems that may indicate fluid overloads, such as tachycardia, bounding pulse, weight gain, edema, oliguria, or dark urine.
The other options are not correct because:
B. Checking fingernails for the presence of clubbing is not relevant for assessing fluid volume excess, as clubbing is a sign of chronic hypoxia or lung disease that causes enlargement of the fingertips and nails.
E. Comparing muscle strength of both arms is not relevant for assessing fluid volume excess, as muscle weakness is not a specific sign of fluid overload, but may be caused by various factors such as electrolyte imbalance, nerve damage, or fatigue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- reapplying a sterile non-adhesive dressing is not enough to address the infection.
The nurse should also clean the wound, apply topical antimicrobial agents, and change the dressing regularly.
B) Incorrect- limiting visitors to immediate family only is not a sufficient infection control measure. The nurse should also use standard precautions, such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks,
and eye protection, and educate the visitors about hand hygiene and proper disposal of contaminated items.
C) Correct- Administering prescribed antibiotics is the most important action because it can help treat the infection and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people. MRSA is resistant to many common antibiotics, so it is essential to follow the prescription and monitor the client's response.
D) Incorrect- requesting a nutrition consult is not a priority action. While nutrition is important for wound healing, it does not directly affect the infection. The nurse should first administer antibiotics and then assess the client's nutritional status and needs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct - The absence of coarse crackles indicates that the airway has been cleared of secretions effectively, and the lung sounds are clearer.
B) Incorrect - An increase in respiratory rate could indicate distress rather than the effectiveness of the intervention.
C) Incorrect - An increase in breath sounds may not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of the intervention, as the quality of breath sounds matters more than the increase.
D) Incorrect - The absence of fine crackles might not directly indicate the effectiveness of the intervention, as other factors can influence lung sounds.

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