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. "I am sure these feelings will pass once you go home." is dismissive and does not address the client's current emotional state.
B. "Tell me what you understand about your illness." opens up a dialogue for the client to express their feelings and concerns, which can help in assessing their emotional state and providing support.
C. "Tell me why you feel hopeless." might be too direct and could make the client feel pressured.
D. "If I were you, I would ask for a referral to hospice care." could be perceived as judgmental and does not address the client’s immediate feelings of hopelessness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula requires immediate assessment to ensure that the oxygen therapy is adequate and to monitor for any signs of respiratory distress or worsening condition.
B. An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions does not require immediate assessment as the client is stable enough for discharge planning.
C. A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring should be assessed, but it is less urgent compared to a client with a respiratory condition.
D. A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast needs attention, but this is less critical compared to monitoring a client with a respiratory condition.