A healthcare organization requires nurses to chart by exception. Which assessment should the nurse document?
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye.
Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung.
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant.
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye is a normal consensual pupillary response and does not need to be documented in charting by exception. This finding is within normal limits and does not indicate any deviation from the expected outcome.
Choice B rationale
Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung should be documented because this finding deviates from the normal lung sounds and indicates a potential issue that needs further investigation. Charting by exception focuses on documenting abnormalities or deviations from the norm.
Choice C rationale
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant are a normal finding and do not need to be documented in charting by exception. This assessment is within normal limits and does not indicate any deviation from the expected outcome.
Choice D rationale
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot is a normal finding and does not need to be documented in charting by exception. This assessment is within normal limits and does not indicate any deviation from the expected outcome.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Verifying the placement of the pulse oximeter is the first step to ensure the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading. An incorrect placement can lead to inaccurate readings, and addressing this issue can help determine if further interventions are needed.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the oxygen to 3 L/minute may be necessary if the oxygen saturation remains low after verifying the pulse oximeter placement. However, this should be done after ensuring the accuracy of the initial reading.
Choice C rationale
Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not the immediate action to take. Non-rebreather masks deliver a high concentration of oxygen, typically reserved for severe hypoxia. The patient’s oxygen saturation is low, but not critically low.
Choice D rationale
Removing the nasal cannula is not appropriate as it would further decrease the oxygen supply to the patient. The goal is to improve oxygenation, not reduce it.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Eschar and slough are indicative of necrotic tissue and are not signs of proper healing. Eschar is a dry, dark scab or falling away of dead skin, typically caused by a burn, or by the bite of a mite or other insect. Slough is a layer or mass of dead tissue separated from surrounding living tissue, as in a wound, sore, or inflammation. Both eschar and slough need to be removed for proper wound healing to occur.
Choice B rationale
Erythema and serosanguineous exudate can be present in the early stages of wound healing, but one week post-surgery, these signs may indicate inflammation or infection rather than proper healing. Erythema is redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries, often a sign of infection or irritation. Serosanguineous exudate is a thin, watery fluid that is slightly pink due to the presence of small amounts of blood, which can be normal immediately after surgery but should decrease over time.
Choice C rationale
A well-approximated incision site is a sign of proper healing. This means that the edges of the wound are close together and aligned, which promotes faster and more efficient healing. Proper approximation of the wound edges reduces the risk of infection and promotes the formation of a strong, healthy scar.
Choice D rationale
Beefy red granulation tissue is a sign of healing in open wounds, not in surgical incisions that are closed. Granulation tissue is new connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process. It is typically bright red or pink and indicates that the wound is healing from the inside out. However, in a surgical incision that is healing properly, the wound edges should be well approximated, and granulation tissue should not be visible.