what is the nurses priority action when a patient has a fever
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. What is the priority action for a patient with a fever?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority action when a patient has a fever is to assess the patient's temperature regularly. Monitoring the temperature helps track the effectiveness of interventions and detect any worsening fever. Administering antipyretic medication (Choice A) should be done based on healthcare provider's orders after assessing the patient's condition. While providing cooling measures such as a cool compress (Choice C) can help reduce fever, assessing the temperature takes precedence. Providing blankets for comfort (Choice D) is not the priority when dealing with a fever.

2. A nurse is teaching a client about foods that are included on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following food choices made by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Yogurt. Yogurt is not part of a clear liquid diet. A clear liquid diet includes transparent or translucent liquids such as gelatin, broth, and popsicles. Yogurt is a thicker consistency and contains solid particles, making it inappropriate for a clear liquid diet. Choices A, B, and C are suitable options for a client following a clear liquid diet.

3. A patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. What should the nurse check first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the ventilator tubing for disconnection first when a patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. This is crucial because equipment malfunction, such as tubing disconnection, can lead to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in a drop in oxygen saturation. Checking the tubing ensures that the ventilation system is functioning properly and that the patient is receiving the necessary oxygen. Option B is incorrect because increasing oxygen flow without checking for equipment issues may not address the root cause of the drop in saturation. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the immediate focus should be on assessing and ensuring the functioning of the ventilation equipment. Option D delays addressing the potential equipment malfunction, which could worsen the patient's condition if not promptly resolved.

4. A healthcare provider prescribes a higher-than-usual dose of medication. What is the nurse's first action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to call the provider for clarification. When faced with a higher-than-usual dose of medication, the nurse's first action should be to contact the prescribing healthcare provider to confirm the dosage. Administering the medication without clarifying the dose with the provider can pose serious risks to the patient's safety. Holding the medication and consulting the pharmacist may be appropriate after contacting the provider for clarification. Asking another nurse to verify the dose is not the most appropriate action when dealing with an unusual prescription; direct communication with the provider is essential in such situations.

5. Which intervention is most effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postoperative patient?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postoperative patient is to encourage early ambulation and leg exercises. Early ambulation helps promote circulation, preventing stasis and reducing the risk of blood clot formation. Encouraging the patient to drink plenty of fluids (choice A) is important for overall health but is not the most effective intervention for preventing DVT. Administering anticoagulants (choice C) is a valuable intervention in some cases, but it may not be suitable for all postoperative patients. Applying compression stockings (choice D) can help prevent DVT but is generally not as effective as early ambulation and leg exercises in postoperative patients.

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