a nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube post surgery what is the most important assessment
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Nursing Elites

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ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor

1. A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube post-surgery. What is the most important assessment?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Check for air leaks and ensure proper chest tube function.' This is the most important assessment for a client with a chest tube post-surgery because it ensures that the chest tube is functioning properly. Checking for air leaks helps prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Choice A is incorrect because clamping the chest tube periodically can lead to serious complications and should not be done unless specifically ordered by a healthcare provider. Choice C is important for promoting lung expansion but is not the most critical assessment related to the chest tube. Choice D is also important for respiratory function but is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-surgery.

2. When providing discharge instructions for a client prescribed home oxygen, what is an essential safety measure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Keep the oxygen equipment away from heat sources.' Placing oxygen equipment near heat sources can lead to fire hazards due to the flammability of oxygen. Cotton bedding or wool blankets are not directly related to oxygen safety measures. Allowing electronic devices near the oxygen supply can increase the risk of fire due to potential sparks or heat generated.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical records of a client who has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following is an expected finding?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL is indicative of poor nutrition, which is commonly associated with pressure ulcers. This finding suggests that the client may be at risk for developing or already has a pressure ulcer due to malnutrition. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of 90 mg/dL (Choice B) is not directly related to pressure ulcers. The Norton scale (Choice C) is used to assess a client's risk of developing pressure ulcers, not as a finding in a client with an existing pressure ulcer. The Braden scale (Choice D) is also a tool used to assess the risk of developing pressure ulcers, not a finding in a client with an existing pressure ulcer.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for wound irrigation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with a prescription for wound irrigation is to cleanse the wound from the center outwards. This technique helps prevent contamination by pushing debris away from the wound rather than into it. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves is important during wound care but not specifically mentioned for wound irrigation. Choice B is incorrect because warming the irrigation solution to a specific temperature is not a standard recommendation and can potentially harm the client. Choice D is incorrect because the size of the syringe may vary based on the wound size and depth, so using a 20 mL syringe is not a universal guideline.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and has a new prescription for a regular diet. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Absent bowel sounds are concerning as they indicate potential complications such as ileus, which is a risk after abdominal surgery. The absence of bowel sounds can suggest decreased or absent intestinal motility, which may lead to complications if not addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the provider immediately to assess the situation and intervene accordingly. Choices A and B are common postoperative occurrences and do not necessarily warrant immediate provider notification. Choice C, vomiting, while concerning, may be a common postoperative symptom; however, absent bowel sounds are a more critical finding that requires prompt attention.

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