Which client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
An older adult receiving enteral feedings via feeding tube who has a temperature of 100.6°F (38.1°C).
A client with acute kidney injury who is somnolent and does not respond to verbal commands.
A young adult who experienced heat stroke and is receiving a normal saline intravenous (IV) fluid bolus.
A pregnant client with hyperemesis gravidarum who is receiving an infusion of Ringer's Lactate.
The Correct Answer is B
A) This client has a mild fever, which may indicate an infection or inflammation. This is a potential complication of enteral feedings, but it is not the most urgent situation. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, assess the feeding tube site, and notify the provider if the fever persists or worsens.
B) This client has signs of uremic encephalopathy, which is a life-threatening condition caused by the accumulation of toxins in the brain due to impaired renal function. The nurse should intervene immediately to prevent further
neurological damage and possible coma or death. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, check the blood pressure and urine output, and prepare to administer dialysis or other treatments as ordered by the provider.
C) This client has heat stroke, which is a serious condition that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage. However, the client is receiving a normal saline IV fluid bolus, which is an appropriate intervention to restore fluid volume and correct sodium levels. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's vital signs, skin
temperature, and urine output, and watch for signs of fluid overload or cerebral edema.
D) This client has hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. However, the client is receiving an infusion of Ringer's Lactate, which is an isotonic solution that can replenish fluid and electrolyte losses. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's vital signs, weight, and intake and output, and administer antiemetics or other medications as ordered by the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This client may have an infection or sepsis, which are life-threatening complications of surgery. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and notify the physician immediately.
Choice B reason: This client has a chest tube to drain the pleural fluid and re-expand the lung. The amount of drainage is within normal limits and does not indicate an emergency. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation, and chest tube function.
Choice C reason: This client has a gunshot wound that may have caused tissue damage and bleeding. The dressing with 2 cm-sized dark red drainage may indicate fresh bleeding, but it is not excessive. The nurse should check the dressing for signs of infection, change it as ordered, and report any changes to the physician.
Choice D reason: This client has a Jackson-Pratt drain to collect the fluid from the surgical site after a mastectomy. The amount of serosanguineous fluid is expected and does not indicate a problem. The nurse should empty and measure the drain output, record it, and report any abnormalities to the physician.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires a stethoscope and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should assess the client's bowel function and abdominal status.
Choice B Reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires knowledge and education skills. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should provide dietary advice and counseling to the client and their family.
Choice C Reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires medication administration skills and authority. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should check the medication order, verify the dosage and route, and document the administration.
Choice D Reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires basic care and assistance skills. This task is appropriate for the home health aide, who should encourage fluid intake and offer natural remedies for constipation, such as prune juice, which has laxative effects.
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