A nurse is caring for four clients who are postoperative from surgery 24 hr ago. At 1200 the nurse assesses the clients. Which of the following clients is the nurse's priority?
A client who reports pain as 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 at 0800 now reports pain as 6
A client whose wound drainage at 0800 was sanguineous and now it is serosanguineous
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
A client whose blood pressure at 0800 was 138/86 mm Hg and at 1200 is 106/60 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is D
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.
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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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has pneumonia and has an axillary temperature of 38° C (101° F) has an elevated temperature, but it is less critical than immediate concerns with circulation.
B. A client who has diarrhea and requests clear liquids for breakfast needs dietary adjustments but does not present as urgent.
C. A client who has a cast on the left leg and reports numbness and paresthesia could be experiencing complications such as compartment syndrome, which is an urgent condition requiring immediate assessment.
D. A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and has a fasting blood glucose level of 150 is important to monitor but not as immediately critical as potential complications with circulation.