a nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a thoracentesis prior to the procedure which of the following actions should the nurse take

ATI RN

ATI Fundamentals

1. Prior to a thoracentesis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Position the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table.
B. Explain the procedure.
C. Obtain ABGs.
D. Administer benzocaine spray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table helps to facilitate access to the thoracic cavity during the thoracentesis procedure. This position allows for easier identification and access to the insertion site. Explaining the procedure to the client is important, but positioning is the priority. Obtaining ABGs is not directly related to the thoracentesis procedure. Administering benzocaine spray is not a standard practice before a thoracentesis.

2. When administering digoxin 0.125 mg PO to an adult client, for which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Potassium level 4.2 mEq/L.
B. Apical pulse 58/min
C. Digoxin level 1 ng/mL
D. Constipation for 2 days

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the digoxin level is crucial as it helps determine the drug's effectiveness and potential toxicity. A digoxin level of 1 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range. However, levels above this range can lead to toxicity, causing adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and dysrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should report a digoxin level of 1 ng/mL to the provider for further evaluation and potential dose adjustment.

3. What is required for effective hand washing?

A. Soap or detergent to promote emulsification
B. Hot water to destroy bacteria
C. A disinfectant to increase surface tension
D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To effectively wash hands, soap or detergent is essential as they help emulsify fats and oils, allowing them to be rinsed away. Hot water alone cannot effectively destroy bacteria, and a disinfectant is not typically required for routine hand washing.

4. While caring for a client in a clinic, a healthcare professional learns that the client woke up not recognizing their partner, surroundings, has chills, and chest pain worsening upon inspiration. What should be the healthcare professional's priority action?

A. Obtain baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation.
B. Obtain a sputum culture.
C. Obtain a complete history from the client.
D. Provide a pneumococcal vaccine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the healthcare professional is to obtain the client's baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation. This will provide essential information on the client's current physiological status and help guide further assessment and intervention. Assessing the vital signs and oxygen saturation can help identify any immediate concerns like hypoxia or sepsis, which require prompt attention. While obtaining a complete history and considering a pneumococcal vaccine may be important in the overall care of the client, assessing the vital signs and oxygen saturation takes precedence to address the client's immediate physiological needs.

5. How many liters are equal to 1800 ml?

A. 1.8
B. 18000
C. 180
D. 2800

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To convert milliliters (ml) to liters, divide by 1000 since 1 liter is equal to 1000 ml. Therefore, 1800 ml is equal to 1800/1000 = 1.8 liters. Choice A (1.8) is correct. Choice B (18000) is incorrect as it equates to 18000 liters, not 1.8 liters. Choice C (180) is incorrect as it represents 180 liters, not 1.8 liters. Choice D (2800) is incorrect as it does not reflect the conversion of 1800 ml to liters.