The nurse observes a prominent U wave on the client's electrocardiograph (ECG) tracing. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
a. Document the finding as a normal variant.
b. Review the client's daily electrolyte re-sults.
c. Move the crash cart closer to the client's room.
d. Call for an immediate electrocardiogram.
B
Prominent U waves may be the result of hypokalemia. The nurse should review the client's daily electrolyte results. Although documentation is important, this is not a normal variant. Moving the crash cart closer to the room may or may not be warranted. The client does not need an imme-diate ECG.
You might also like to view...
A patient in the ICU is on a volume ventilator. The nurse recognizes that which of the following are true for this type of ventilator? Select all that apply
A) Peak inspiratory pressure varies from breath to breath and must be monitored closely. B) Amount of pressure depends on patient's lung compliance and patient-ventilator resistance factors. C) The device fits like a tortoise shell, forming a seal over the chest. D) Exhaled tidal volume must be monitored closely. E) Volume varies based on changes in resistance or compliance. F) Small tidal volumes are used at frequencies greater than 100 breaths/minute.
You are a student practical nurse assigned to a medical-surgical unit. The night before going to the clinical area, you are very tired and fail to look up your patient's diagnosis as assigned. Which of the following is appropriate?
1. Ask your friend to quickly give you the information during shift report. 2. Look up the information while your patient is eating breakfast. 3. Use break time to get the information you need. 4. Tell your instructor what happened as soon as you arrive in the clinical area.
Nurses know that a needlestick injury can cause serious infections or other disabilities. Which of the following is a recommended guideline to prevent needlestick injuries when injecting clients?
A) If using a safety syringe, following an injection, the nurse should push in the sheath and twist until it clicks. B) If using a safety syringe with an articulated type sheath, following an injection the nurse should use the thumb to push the sheath over the needle. C) If using a safety syringe, the nurse should recap the needle using the "scoop method" in which the fingers do not touch the needle. D) If a safety syringe is not available, the needle can be injected into a special cap, the Point-Loc device, which locks the tip of the needle in place.
An incorrect dose of medication is delivered to a patient in the medical clinic. As a result, the patient experienced mild kidney damage. The responsible health care providers and/or clinic is at risk for which of the following?
A. slander B. libel C. defamation D. negligence