what is the most important nursing intervention for a patient with diarrhea
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B

1. What is the most important nursing intervention for a patient with diarrhea?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's skin integrity. This is crucial because diarrhea can lead to skin breakdown due to frequent bowel movements and increased moisture in the perineal area. By monitoring skin integrity, nurses can prevent skin breakdown, infection, and other associated issues. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice A) is important but not the most critical intervention. Checking electrolyte levels (Choice C) is essential but may not be the top priority at the onset. Educating the patient about infection control (Choice D) is important but secondary to preventing skin breakdown in a patient with diarrhea.

2. While assessing a migrant farm worker in a mobile health clinic, which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because muscle twitching and a rash could indicate pesticide poisoning, a serious condition that requires immediate attention in a migrant farm worker. Option A is not the priority as it could be musculoskeletal in nature and managed after addressing urgent issues. Option B, absence of a dental health provider, though important for overall health, is not an immediate priority. Option C, living with 25 other migrant workers, raises concerns about living conditions but does not present an immediate health threat compared to potential pesticide poisoning.

3. What is the most appropriate method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the duration of catheter use. Limiting the duration of catheterization is a crucial method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged catheter use increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, leading to infections. Using clean gloves for insertion (choice A) is important for preventing contamination but does not address the main cause of CAUTIs. Using a smaller size catheter (choice C) may help reduce trauma but does not directly prevent infections. Changing the catheter tubing every 24 hours (choice D) is not necessary unless clinically indicated, and it is not the most effective method for preventing CAUTIs.

4. A client who had a stroke is complaining of left-side weakness. What should the nurse prioritize?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the physical therapy team. When a client who had a stroke presents with left-side weakness, the nurse should prioritize coordinating with the physical therapy team rather than immediately initiating physical therapy. The initial step should involve assessing the client's condition and involving the appropriate healthcare team for a comprehensive care plan. Administering pain medication or starting treatment without consulting others can delay or hinder the appropriate care needed for the client's recovery.

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 patient is at risk for impaired skin integrity. What is the priority intervention for the nurse?
A charge nurse is planning care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?
A nurse sees a healthcare provider administer an incorrect medication dose but does not report the error. What should the nurse do first?
A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

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