a client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction what is the nurses priority
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 A with NGN

1. A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.

2. What is the recommended procedure for a healthcare professional to follow when applying sterile gloves?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct procedure for applying sterile gloves is to do so before touching any sterile equipment or surfaces. This helps maintain the sterility of the gloves. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they suggest incorrect sequences that may compromise the sterility of the gloves. Using non-sterile gloves first can introduce contamination, putting on gloves before a gown can lead to contamination of the gloves during gowning, and applying gloves after donning a mask can risk contamination of the gloves from the mask.

3. During a home visit with an older adult client, a nurse should address which of the following observations to promote a safe environment?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low chairs without armrests. This observation should be addressed by the nurse to promote a safe environment for the older adult client. Low chairs without armrests increase the risk of falls as they can be challenging for older adults to sit down on or get up from. Addressing this issue can help prevent falls and promote safety. Choices A, B, and D are not as crucial for promoting a safe environment compared to the risk posed by low chairs without armrests.

4. A patient is on contact precautions for an infection. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take when caring for a patient on contact precautions is to wear gloves when entering the patient's room. This is crucial in preventing the spread of infection from the patient to the healthcare provider and vice versa. Placing the patient in a private room may be necessary for airborne precautions but is not specifically related to contact precautions. Using a dedicated blood pressure cuff for the patient is important for preventing cross-contamination but is not the most critical action. Disposing of equipment in a biohazard bag is a standard procedure but is not the most important action in this scenario.

5. A nurse is assigned to care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, this client should be assessed first to ensure prompt intervention and treatment. Choice B, a client with a fever of 100°F, may indicate an infection but is not immediately life-threatening compared to the symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. Choice C, a client scheduled for surgery, is not an immediate priority unless there are specific preoperative assessments or interventions required. Choice D, a client with stable vital signs, does not indicate an urgent need for assessment compared to the client with chest pain and shortness of breath.

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