A nurse is caring for four postoperative clients. The nurse can delegate obtaining vital signs to an assistive personnel (AP) for which of the following clients?
A client who is 3 days postoperative following a craniotomy
A client who is 3 days postoperative following gastric bypass surgery
A client who is 2 hr postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy
A client who is 1 hr postoperative following a thyroidectomy
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. A client who is 3 days postoperative following a craniotomy requires careful monitoring due to potential complications from brain surgery, so vital signs should be taken by a nurse.
B. A client who is 3 days postoperative following gastric bypass surgery is stable enough for an AP to obtain vital signs, as the risk of immediate postoperative complications is lower compared to more recent surgeries.
C. A client who is 2 hr postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy requires close monitoring due to the recent surgery, so vital signs should be obtained by a nurse.
D. A client who is 1 hr postoperative following a thyroidectomy requires vigilant monitoring for potential complications from recent surgery, which should be done by a nurse.
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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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A young adult client admitted for acute glomerulonephritis following a viral infection does not indicate a mandatory report situation.
B. A dependent adult admitted for the treatment of a spiral fracture suggests potential abuse or neglect. As mandated reporters, nurses are required to report suspicions of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
C. A young adult client admitted for asthma and has track marks that may indicate IV drug abuse does not necessarily require mandatory reporting unless there is evidence of abuse or harm that needs to be reported.
D. An emancipated minor who has acute appendicitis and wants to leave the facility without treatment may raise concerns about the minor's capacity to make decisions, but it does not automatically necessitate reporting to an outside agency.