A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?
Apply the client’s positive airway pressure device.
Lift and lock the side rails in place.
Remove dentures or other oral appliances.
Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. However, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Lifting and locking the side rails in place ensures the safety of the client but does not directly address the client’s OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
Choice D rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, but it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sending an email to facility administrators reporting the action may not be the most immediate or effective way to address the situation. It could delay the necessary intervention and does not ensure that the issue is resolved promptly.
Choice B rationale
Warning the colleague that copying health information is unlawful is important, but it may not adequately address the potential breach of patient privacy and confidentiality. The colleague may already be aware of the laws but still engage in inappropriate behavior.
Choice C rationale
Disposing of the copies and continuing with client care assignments prevents further unauthorized access to patient information but does not address the issue of the colleague’s inappropriate handling of the records. It is essential to report the incident to the appropriate authority for further investigation and follow-up.
Choice D rationale
Communicating the colleague’s activities to the unit charge nurse is the most appropriate action because it informs the person in charge of the unit about the observed behavior, allowing for immediate intervention and potential corrective action. The unit charge nurse can address the situation promptly and ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained.
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.