a nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned from surgery what is the nurses priority action
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B

1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned from surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's vital signs. Assessing vital signs is crucial as it helps to detect any early signs of complications such as bleeding, shock, or changes in oxygenation. Monitoring the patient's pain level (Choice A) is important but assessing vital signs takes precedence. While assessing the surgical incision site (Choice C) is essential, ensuring the patient's physiological stability through vital sign assessment is the priority. Positioning the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice D) may be necessary for comfort but does not address the immediate need to assess the patient's condition post-surgery.

2. A client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order has requested resuscitation during a family visit. How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to honor a client's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, regardless of any request for resuscitation during a family visit. It is crucial for the nurse to explain to the client that the DNR order must be respected. Choice A is incorrect because starting resuscitation against the client's documented wishes goes against the principle of autonomy. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and legal directives. Choice D is not the best option as the nurse should prioritize honoring the client's decision as per the DNR order.

3. While caring for a client receiving morphine, what assessment is the priority for a nurse to conduct?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring the respiratory rate. Morphine can depress respiratory function, leading to respiratory depression or arrest. Therefore, closely monitoring the client's respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress. While blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are important assessments, in this scenario, respiratory rate takes precedence due to the potential respiratory complications associated with morphine administration.

4. A client who reports insomnia is being taught by a nurse about promoting rest and sleep. Which statement should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because avoiding alcohol before bedtime can help promote better sleep. Choice A is incorrect as vigorous exercise close to bedtime can actually hinder sleep. Choice B is also incorrect as consuming beverages with caffeine or sugar close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Choice D, while a good practice, does not directly address the issue of avoiding alcohol before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with pneumonia. Which finding is most concerning?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crackles heard in the lung bases are most concerning in a patient with pneumonia as they suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, indicating possible severe infection or respiratory distress. Prompt intervention is required to prevent further complications.\n\nChoice A, fever of 101°F, is common in infections like pneumonia but may not be as immediately concerning as crackles indicating fluid in the lungs.\n\nChoice B, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, is within normal limits and not directly indicative of pneumonia severity.\n\nChoice C, a heart rate of 95 beats per minute, is slightly elevated but not as critical as crackles suggesting fluid in the lungs.

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