a nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection which finding is most concerning
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

2. The nurse is admitting a patient with an infectious disease process. Which question will be most appropriate for a nurse to ask about the patient's susceptibility to this infectious process?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do you have a chronic disease?' Patients with chronic diseases are more susceptible to infections due to factors like general debilitation and nutritional impairment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because having children in the home, having a spouse, or religious beliefs do not directly impact susceptibility to infectious diseases.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient with an incision. Which actions will best indicate an understanding of medical and surgical asepsis for a sterile dressing change?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. When performing a sterile dressing change, it is essential to use clean gloves to remove soiled dressings and sterile gloves and supplies for applying the new dressing. This helps maintain aseptic technique and reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound. Choices A, B, and D involve incorrect use of sterile and clean supplies, which can compromise the sterility of the procedure and increase the risk of infection.

4. A client who has been having frequent tonic-clonic seizures is being admitted by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse add to the client's plan of care?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should add to the client's plan of care is to wrap blankets around side rails. This helps prevent injury during seizures by providing a cushioned surface against the hard rails. Applying restraints (Choice A) is not recommended as it can cause harm during a seizure. Using soft wristbands (Choice B) may not provide adequate protection against injury. Administering sedatives (Choice D) is not typically indicated for managing tonic-clonic seizures as they require specific anti-seizure medications.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for cimetidine. Which of the following laboratory findings should the healthcare provider identify as the priority to report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level is indicative of liver damage, which is the priority finding to report to the provider when administering cimetidine. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver toxicity or damage. Monitoring liver function is crucial when using cimetidine, as it can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity. The other laboratory findings are within normal ranges and not directly associated with cimetidine administration.

Similar Questions

A nurse is teaching the partner of a client who had a stroke about manifestations of dysphagia. Which of the following statements by the client's partner indicates the need for further teaching?
A nursing instructor is observing a nursing student practicing standard precautions. Which observation by the instructor indicates a need for further teaching?
What are the complications of diabetes mellitus that a nurse should monitor for?
A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A nurse is using the ecologic model for population health to develop interventions to address HIV in a community. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include to address financial factors affecting community health?

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