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. Analyzing data to identify issues for a client who has uncontrolled diabetes mellitus requires a higher level of clinical judgment and is typically performed by an RN.
B. Assisting a client with crutch walking following knee replacement surgery is an appropriate task for an LPN, as it involves support with activities of daily living and mobility.
C. Evaluating the outcomes of a new postoperative client involves assessing the effectiveness of care and requires RN-level assessment skills.
D. Developing the plan of care for a client who has an amputation involves comprehensive assessment and planning, which is usually the responsibility of an RN.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who reports pain as 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 at 0800 now reports pain as 6 needs pain management, but this is less urgent compared to potential signs of hypotension.
B. A client whose wound drainage at 0800 was sanguineous and now it is serosanguineous indicates normal progression of wound healing; thus, it is less critical.
C. A client who has a prescription for insulin and his premeal capillary blood glucose was 110 mg/dL and his post-meal capillary blood glucose is now 160 mg/dL needs blood glucose management, but this is less urgent than assessing for potential hypovolemia or shock.
D. A client whose blood pressure at 0800 was 138/86 mm Hg and at 1200 is 106/60 mm Hg is experiencing a significant drop in blood pressure, which could indicate hypovolemia or shock. This requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent complications.