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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Instructing the client to take deep, rhythmic breaths can help in managing pain by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. Deep breathing exercises are a common nonpharmacological intervention for pain relief. However, for localized back pain, this method might not be as effective as applying an ice pack directly to the affected area.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging the client to apply a heating pad for 2 hours at a time can provide relief by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. However, prolonged use of heat can sometimes exacerbate inflammation, especially if the pain is due to an acute injury. Therefore, it is generally recommended to alternate between heat and cold therapy.
Choice C Reason:
Applying an ice pack to the client’s back for 1 hour is effective in reducing inflammation and numbing the pain. Cold therapy is particularly useful in the initial stages of pain management as it helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and providing immediate pain relief. This method is often recommended for acute pain and injuries.
Choice D Reason:
Removing distractions from the client’s room can create a more restful environment, which may help in overall pain management. However, this action alone is unlikely to provide significant relief for localized back pain. It is more of a supportive measure rather than a primary intervention for pain relief.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Increased heart rate during physical activity can be a common finding in clients who have been on bed rest for an extended period. This is due to deconditioning of the cardiovascular system. While it is important to monitor and address, it is not the most immediate concern compared to other potential complications.
Choice B Reason
Loss of appetite is another common issue in clients who have been on prolonged bed rest. It can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss, which are significant concerns. However, it is not as urgent as other findings that might indicate more acute complications.
Choice C Reason
Left lower extremity tenderness is the most critical finding and should be identified as the priority. This symptom can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism if not promptly addressed. DVT is a common risk for clients who have been immobile for extended periods, making it a top priority for immediate
intervention.
Choice D Reason
Musculoskeletal weakness is expected in clients who have been on bed rest for several weeks. It results from muscle atrophy and deconditioning. While it is an important issue to address through rehabilitation and physical therapy, it does not pose an immediate threat to the client’s life compared to the risk of DVT.