A nurse on a surgical unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following is the priority action of the nurse?
Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury
Reinforcing a client's dressing for the surgical site of an above-the-knee amputation
Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU
Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Reassuring the partner is important for emotional support but does not directly impact the immediate safety of clients.
B. Reinforcing a dressing is important for wound care but does not address urgent concerns.
C. Taking a telephone prescription is necessary but not as immediate as addressing a potential complication.
D. Assessing a client with unilateral calf pain is the priority as it may indicate a serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which requires immediate evaluation and intervention.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Acute pancreatitis may require specialized medical management that might be beyond the RN’s experience from a different unit.
B. A client one-day postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy is appropriate for an RN with general surgical experience, as it involves standard postoperative care.
C. A client who had a stroke may require more specialized neuro care and assessment than the RN might be familiar with.
D. Terminal end-stage renal disease requires specialized care and experience in managing complex chronic conditions.
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.