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
Administering a PRN sedative prescription should not be the first intervention as it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s confusion and wandering.
Choice B rationale
Leaving the door to the client’s room open slightly can help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety by allowing the client to see and hear staff members as they pass by.
Choice C rationale
Applying wrist restraints should be a last resort and not the first intervention for managing wandering behavior.
Choice D rationale
Providing a back rub at bedtime may help promote relaxation but does not directly address the issue of wandering.