A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse perform first?
Initiate oxygen therapy via nasal cannula for a client who has COPD.
Initiate a 24-hr urine collection for a client who has end-stage kidney disease.
Administer an antibiotic for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Change the dressing for a client who has a decubitus ulcer.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Initiating oxygen therapy for a client with COPD is a priority because oxygenation is critical for clients with respiratory conditions. Hypoxia can lead to serious complications, making this intervention urgent.
B. While initiating a 24-hour urine collection is important for monitoring kidney function, it does not require immediate action compared to the need for oxygen therapy in a client with respiratory distress.
C. Administering antibiotics is essential, especially for a client with an infection like MRSA; however, the need for immediate oxygen therapy takes precedence over medication administration.
D. Changing the dressing for a decubitus ulcer is important for preventing infection and promoting healing but is not as time-sensitive as ensuring adequate oxygenation for the client with COPD.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is the priority because it increases the risk of aspiration, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication for clients with Parkinson's disease.
B. Insomnia, while impacting quality of life, is not as immediately life-threatening as aspiration risk.
C. Needing additional help to stand reflects disease progression but does not carry the immediate risk of a life-threatening complication.
D. Difficulty dressing also indicates disease progression but does not pose an immediate danger to the client’s health.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Offering suggestions demonstrates a directive approach rather than a laissez-faire style, which typically involves minimal guidance.
B. Encouraging the AP to decide how they would like to divide client care tasks exemplifies laissez-faire leadership, as it empowers team members to make decisions independently.
C. Instructing the AP to report hourly indicates a more authoritarian leadership style, as it sets specific expectations for accountability.
D. Providing constructive criticism suggests active involvement in guiding the AP’s performance, contrasting with the hands-off approach of laissez-faire leadership.