During change-of-shift report, a nurse discovers they overlooked a prescription for a type and cross-match of a client who is to have surgery the next day. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Inform the provider of the delay in obtaining the type and cross-match.
Document the incident in the client’s medical record.
Prepare an incident report for risk management.
Obtain the client’s type and cross-match.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Informing the provider of the delay in obtaining the type and cross-match is important for keeping the healthcare team informed. However, this action should follow the immediate step of obtaining the type and cross-match to ensure the client has compatible blood available for surgery. Communication with the provider is crucial but secondary to addressing the immediate need.
Choice B Reason:
Documenting the incident in the client’s medical record is necessary for maintaining accurate records and ensuring continuity of care. However, this action should be performed after the immediate need for obtaining the type and cross-match is addressed. Accurate documentation is essential but not the first priority in this situation.
Choice C Reason:
Preparing an incident report for risk management is important for identifying and addressing potential system issues that led to the oversight. However, this action is not the immediate priority. The primary focus should be on obtaining the type and cross-match to ensure the client’s safety during surgery. Incident reporting can be done after the immediate needs are met.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining the client’s type and cross-match is the first action the nurse should take because it ensures that the client will have compatible blood available for transfusion if needed during surgery. This step directly addresses the immediate clinical need and prioritizes the client’s safety and readiness for surgery.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Seat the client in a chair for 30 minutes prior to applying the stockings.
Seating the client in a chair for 30 minutes before applying the stockings is not necessary. In fact, it is recommended to apply antiembolic stockings while the client is in a supine position to prevent blood from pooling in the legs. This ensures that the stockings fit properly and provide the intended compression to promote venous return.
Choice B: Measure the length of the client’s leg from the heel to the gluteal fold.
Measuring the length of the client’s leg from the heel to the gluteal fold is essential for ensuring the correct fit of knee-length antiembolic stockings. Proper measurement helps in selecting the right size, which is crucial for the stockings to be effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting blood circulation. Incorrectly sized stockings may either be too tight, causing discomfort and impaired circulation, or too loose, failing to provide adequate compression.
Choice C: Instruct the client to point their toes while applying the stockings.
Instructing the client to point their toes while applying the stockings is not a standard practice. Instead, the nurse should gather the stocking material and gently roll it over the foot and up the leg, ensuring it is evenly distributed and free of wrinkles. This method helps in applying the stockings smoothly and effectively without causing discomfort or improper fit.
Choice D: Roll the top of the client’s stockings down to just below the knee.
Rolling the top of the stockings down to just below the knee is incorrect and can lead to a tourniquet effect, which can impede blood flow and increase the risk of DVT. The stockings should be applied smoothly and should extend to their full length without being rolled down to ensure proper compression and effectiveness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position during the assessment is not necessary for assessing the carotid arteries. While this position can be useful for other assessments, it is not specifically required for carotid artery evaluation. The client can be in a seated or supine position with the head slightly elevated.
Choice B Reason
Auscultating each carotid artery with the bell of the stethoscope is the most appropriate action. This technique allows the nurse to listen for bruits, which are abnormal sounds indicating turbulent blood flow due to partial obstruction or narrowing of the artery. Using the bell of the stethoscope is crucial because it is better suited for detecting low-pitched vascular sounds.
Choice C Reason
Palpating the carotid arteries simultaneously is not recommended. Doing so can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain, potentially causing dizziness or fainting. Instead, each carotid artery should be palpated individually to assess the amplitude and contour of the pulse without compromising circulation.
Choice D Reason
Massaging the carotid artery while assessing the client is inappropriate and potentially dangerous. Massaging the carotid artery can stimulate the carotid sinus, leading to a reflex drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause syncope (fainting). This action should be avoided during assessment.
