a client complains of pain in their leg and the nurse notes swelling and pallor what is the priority nursing action
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A client complains of pain in their leg, and the nurse notes swelling and pallor. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms. Swelling and pallor in a limb can be indicative of serious circulatory issues or compartment syndrome. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider promptly to assess and address the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) may temporarily alleviate the symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Elevating the limb and monitoring closely (choice B) can be beneficial but does not replace the need for immediate professional evaluation. Encouraging movement to reduce swelling (choice C) is contraindicated in this scenario as it may worsen the condition if a circulatory issue or compartment syndrome is present.

2. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response to a patient experiencing hypoglycemia is to administer 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates. This helps quickly increase the blood glucose levels in the patient, addressing the low blood sugar. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes (Choice A) may delay necessary intervention, encouraging a high-protein snack (Choice B) is not recommended as it does not rapidly increase blood sugar levels, and administering glucagon if the patient is unconscious (Choice D) is typically done in severe cases of hypoglycemia when the patient is unable to eat or drink.

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. While reviewing a client's chart, a nurse notices a discrepancy in the medication record. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reporting medication discrepancies to the nurse manager is crucial to ensure patient safety and proper follow-up. The nurse manager is responsible for addressing medication errors and implementing necessary corrective actions. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the discrepancy without reporting it may lead to potential harm to the patient and violates professional standards. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring the discrepancy increases the risk of medication errors going unresolved. Choice D is incorrect because discussing the discrepancy with the client before verifying the accuracy of the record can cause confusion and compromise patient safety.

5. A hospice nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of a terminal illness and her family. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because hospice care provides ongoing support to families with grief even after a patient's death. Choice A is incorrect because hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management rather than disease treatment and rehabilitation. Choice B is incorrect as the statement does not accurately reflect the role of a hospice provider. Choice C is incorrect; a family caregiver is not a prerequisite for admission into a hospice facility.

Similar Questions

A healthcare provider is providing a report to a colleague about a client who weighs 210 lb and has a prescription for one-third weight bearing on the right leg. How many kg of weight should the client bear on the right leg?
A client is being taught about which foods to include in a low fiber diet. Which statement indicates understanding?
A client with hypertension is prescribed atenolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse include as adverse effects of this medication?
In the context of personality disorders, what is a common characteristic of a client with Borderline Personality Disorder?
A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse verify with a provider?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses