A client receiving an IV antibiotic develops itching and hives. What is the nurse's priority action?
Itching and hives may signal an allergic reaction. Stopping the infusion first helps prevent further exposure to the medication causing the reaction.
Which action by the practical nurse helps prevent falls in an older adult client who is unsteady when walking?
Keeping the call light within reach encourages the client to ask for assistance rather than walking unassisted, which helps reduce fall risk.
Which finding in a post-operative client should the practical nurse report to the registered nurse or provider immediately?
A saturated dressing with fresh bleeding may indicate hemorrhage and requires rapid assessment and intervention by the RN or provider.
Before administering digoxin to an adult client, which assessment finding would require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the provider?
Digoxin can slow the heart rate. A pulse below 60 beats per minute in an adult is a common parameter for holding the dose and contacting the provider.
A practical nurse is caring for a client who is short of breath and anxious. Which action should the nurse take first?
On the NCLEX-PN, airway and breathing are prioritized. Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and can quickly ease shortness of breath before other interventions.
A client on opioid analgesics reports new constipation. Which instruction by the nurse is most appropriate?
Opioids commonly cause constipation. Increasing fiber and fluid intake and encouraging activity, when appropriate, help prevent and manage opioid-related constipation.
The nurse is reinforcing teaching about insulin self-administration. Which statement by the client shows a correct understanding?
Rotating injection sites within the same anatomical area, such as the abdomen, helps maintain consistent absorption and reduces the risk of lipodystrophy.
A client with a new colostomy asks the nurse how to care for the stoma. Which response is most accurate?
A healthy stoma should be moist and pink to red. Pale, dark, or dry stomas may indicate poor blood supply and need prompt evaluation.
When providing care for a client in isolation for an airborne infection, which item is essential for the nurse to wear?
Airborne precautions require a fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator to protect the nurse from inhaling infectious particles.