Which information obtained by the nurse about a 29-year-old patient with a lumbar vertebral compression fracture is most important to report to the health care provider?
a. Patient refuses to be turned due to back pain.
b. Patient has been incontinent of urine and stool.
c. Patient reports lumbar area tenderness to palpation.
d. Patient frequently uses oral corticosteroids to treat asthma.
ANS: B
Changes in bowel or bladder function indicate possible spinal cord compression and should be reported immediately because surgical intervention may be needed. The other findings are also pertinent but are consistent with the patient's diagnosis and do not require immediate intervention.
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a. Serum glucose b. Renal function c. Electrolytes d. Liver function
A new mother is concerned about spoiling her newborn. The home care nurse teaches the mother which of the following?
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When removing a soft contact lens, the nurse finds that it is sticking together. The nurse should first:
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