A nurse is caring for four clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A client who has COPD and the capillary refill time on both hands is 4 seconds
A client who has late-stage cirrhosis and whose breath has a fruity odor
A client who has a nasogastric tube for decompression and the gastric aspirate is green with a pH of 5.3
A client who had an indwelling urinary catheter removed 5 hr ago and has not voided
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Capillary refill time of 4 seconds is concerning but less urgent compared to immediate post-catheter removal issues.
B. Fruity breath odor in late-stage cirrhosis could indicate a metabolic issue but is less immediate than issues related to urinary output.
C. Green gastric aspirate with a pH of 5.3 is within normal range for NG tube decompression.
D. A client who has not voided 5 hours after catheter removal is at risk for urinary retention or other complications and should be assessed immediately.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has Guillain-Barre syndrome requires close monitoring and specialized care due to progressive weakness and potential respiratory issues. This client's care may involve more complex needs that are beyond the AP's scope.
B. A client who has a lumbosacral spinal tumor is likely to have fewer immediate needs related to eating assistance, making this task appropriate to delegate to the AP. The client’s primary concern may be mobility or pain management, but meal assistance is a routine task.
C. A client who has systemic sclerosis may have issues with gastrointestinal motility and swallowing, requiring more careful feeding assistance and monitoring, which should be performed by the nurse.
D. A client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) requires specialized care for swallowing difficulties and respiratory issues, making it inappropriate to delegate meal assistance to the AP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Starting with room 1 and working to room 10 suggests a lack of prioritization based on client needs, which is important for efficient and effective care.
B. Packing belongings after breakfast is a reasonable plan, assuming it fits within the priorities of the shift.
C. Providing partial baths before breakfast might be acceptable depending on the client’s needs and the urgency of the task.
D. Giving a client their meal tray first based on their scheduled physical therapy is an example of prioritizing care based on client needs.