what is the first action a nurse should take when irrigating a wound

ATI LPN

ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN

1. What is the initial step a nurse should take when irrigating a wound?

A. Wear sterile gloves while removing the old dressing
B. Cleanse the wound from the center outward
C. Apply a warm compress to the wound
D. Use a 20 mL syringe to irrigate the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action when irrigating a wound is to cleanse the wound from the center outward. This method helps remove debris and pathogens effectively, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves should be done before starting the wound irrigation but is not the first action in the process. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress is not the initial step in wound irrigation. Choice D is also incorrect as using a syringe to irrigate the wound comes after cleansing the wound.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

3. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who is scheduled for an abdominal paracentesis. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider take to prepare the client for this procedure?

A. Assist the client to void
B. Instruct the client to hold their breath
C. Place the client in a lateral recumbent position
D. Prepare to administer a sedative

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assisting the client to void before a paracentesis is essential to reduce the risk of bladder injury during the procedure. Voiding helps empty the bladder, preventing accidental puncture during the insertion of the needle. Instructing the client to hold their breath is incorrect and can increase the risk of complications. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position is not directly related to bladder safety during a paracentesis. Preparing to administer a sedative is not a standard preparation for this procedure and is not aimed at preventing bladder injury.

4. What should be done to minimize the risk of injury for a client with dementia?

A. Ensure the client has consistent caregivers
B. Dim the lights in the client's room
C. Allow the client to sleep with the bedrails raised
D. Encourage family members to stay with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client has consistent caregivers. This helps reduce confusion and stress for clients with dementia by providing familiarity and routine. Dimming the lights in the client's room (Choice B) may not directly address the risk of injury. Allowing the client to sleep with the bedrails raised (Choice C) can pose a risk if not properly monitored. Encouraging family members to stay with the client (Choice D) may not always be feasible and may not provide the necessary professional support and consistency that consistent caregivers can offer.

5. A client at 30 weeks of gestation reports constipation. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

A. Drink 1 liter of water per day.
B. Take a laxative every morning.
C. Increase your intake of refined grains.
D. Walk for at least 30 minutes every day.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct recommendation is to walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Walking stimulates intestinal motility, which can help relieve constipation during pregnancy. Option A is important for overall hydration but may not directly address constipation. Option B is not recommended without healthcare provider approval as some laxatives are contraindicated in pregnancy. Option C, increasing intake of refined grains, may exacerbate constipation due to lower fiber content.