EAQ Fundamentals #2

A client that is scheduled for a surgical resection of the colon and creation of a colostomy for a bowel malignancy asks why preoperative antibiotics have been prescribed. The nurse explains that the primary purpose is to:

Decrease bacteria in the intestines

A nurse on the medical-surgical unit tells other staff members, "That client can just wait for the lorazepam (Ativan); I get so annoyed when people drink too much." What does this nurse's comment reflect?

Demonstration of a personal bias

Neomycin, 1 gram, is prescribed preoperatively for a client with cancer of the colon. The client asks why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

"It will kill the bacteria in your bowel and decrease the risk for infection after surgery."

A client asks the nurse, "Should I tell my partner that I just found out I'm human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive?" What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

"You are having difficulty deciding what to say"

A client has a right above-the-knee amputation after trauma sustained in a work-related accident. Upon awakening from surgery, the client states, "What happened to me? I don't remember a thing." What is the nurse's best response?

"You were in a work-related accident this morning."

A nurse is teaching a community group about the basics of nutrition. A participant questions why fluoride is added to drinking water. The nurse should respond that it is a necessary element added to drinking water to promote:

Dental health

A nurse assesses a client with dry and brittle hair, flaky skin, a beefy-red tongue and bleeding gums. The nurse recognizes that these clinical manifestations are most likely a result of:

A nutritional deficiency

A client has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. When providing instructions on sharps disposal, the nurse should instruct the client to place the syringes in:

A plastic liquid detergent bottle with a screw-top lid

A nurse manager is evaluating the performance of the registered nurse (RN) who is supervising unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). What action indicates to the nurse manager that the RN needs further instruction?

Asks the UAP to assess the client's response to a respiratory treatment

A health care provider prescribes an antibiotic intravenous piggyback (IVPB) twice a day for a client with an infection. The health care provider prescribes peak and trough levels 48 and 72 hours after initiation of the therapy. The client asks the nurse why there is a need for so many blood tests. The nurse's best response is, "These tests will:

Determine adequate dosage levels of the drug."

A client becomes anxious after being scheduled for a colostomy. What is the most effective way for the nurse to help the client?

Encourage the client to express feelings

A client with an abdominal wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. To ensure client and visitor safety during transport, the nurse should implement which precaution?

Cover the infected sight with a dressing

A client with a diagnosis of uncontrolled diabetes began receiving Lasix (Furosemide) two days ago. The nurse reviews the morning lab results and discovers that the client's potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Notify the primary healthcare provider of the result that is critically low.

When monitoring a client 24 to 48 hours after surgery, the nurse should assess for which problem associated with anesthetic agents?

Paralytic Ileus

A client has an order for a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet. The nurse should teach the client to use what technique when self-administering this medication?

Place the pill under the tongue and let it dissolve

A nurse manager works on a unit where the nursing staff members are uncomfortable taking care of clients from cultures that are different from their own. How should the nurse manager address this situation?

Plan a workshop that offers opportunities to learn about the cultures they might encounter while at work.