Which assessment should the nurse document when charting by exception?
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant.
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye.
Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung.
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant are a normal finding and do not deviate from the established norm or expected outcome. Therefore, they do not need to be documented when charting by exception.
Choice B rationale
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye is a normal consensual pupillary response. This is an expected finding and does not need to be documented when charting by exception.
Choice C rationale
Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung are not within normal limits and deviate from the expected outcome. This abnormal finding should be documented when charting by exception.
Choice D rationale
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot is a normal finding and does not deviate from the established norm or expected outcome. Therefore, it does not need to be documented when charting by exception.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes is not the most important intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client’s reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.
Choice B rationale
This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client’s heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client’s renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.
Choice D rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client’s neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sending the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask is unnecessary for droplet precautions. Particulate filter masks, such as N95 respirators, are required for airborne precautions, not droplet precautions.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient is correct. Droplet precautions require a standard surgical mask to prevent the transmission of infections like bacterial meningitis. This allows the UAP to safely provide care without the need for a particulate filter mask.
Choice C rationale
Determining which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks is unnecessary for droplet precautions. This action is more relevant for airborne precautions, where particulate filter masks are required.
Choice D rationale
Advising the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care is incorrect. A standard face mask is sufficient for all aspects of care under droplet precautions.