After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) needs immediate attention as it is an emergency situation that requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse effects. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing and managing this patient first to prevent further deterioration. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening situations requiring urgent intervention like severe hypoglycemia does. A high hemoglobin A1C level, an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result, and acute abdominal pain, while important, do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, it is essential to adjust the settings if their pain level is not adequately controlled. Increasing the basal rate and shortening the lock-out interval time can help manage the client's pain more effectively. This adjustment should be made by the healthcare provider based on the client's pain assessment and response to the current settings. It is crucial to individualize the PCA pump settings to optimize pain management for each client. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because educating the family not to push the button, explaining vital sign monitoring, and setting a specific pain level for button pushing are not direct actions the nurse should take to adjust the PCA pump settings for effective pain management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C demonstrates an understanding of the need to collect urine over 24 hours. The client's statement shows awareness that increased fluid intake will help in filling up the collection bottle quickly, which is essential for an accurate test result. This choice reflects the correct understanding of the teaching. Options A, B, and D do not reflect the necessary comprehension for a 24-hr urine collection process. Option A involves a bowel movement, which is not relevant to a urine collection. Option B only mentions a specimen from 30 minutes ago, not over a 24-hour period. Option D indicates flushing urine, which contradicts the idea of saving all urine for the test.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: 'Confirming that a client's pain has decreased after receiving an analgesic.' This task involves assessing the effectiveness of the medication, which can be delegated to the assistive personnel. Options B, C, and D involve skills that should be performed by licensed healthcare professionals due to their complexity and potential risks if not done correctly. Ambulating a postoperative client requires monitoring for signs of distress or complications, inserting a urinary catheter involves an invasive procedure with infection risks, and demonstrating the use of medical devices like an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge to ensure correct usage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Nurses are healthcare professionals who can independently make decisions within their defined scope of practice, providing care to patients. This autonomy allows nurses to assess, diagnose, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care without direct supervision from physicians. Choice A is incorrect because while nurses do need to graduate from nursing school, it's to earn a degree, not necessarily to obtain a license. Choice B is incorrect as while continuous education is important in nursing, it is not a defining characteristic of the profession. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses are expected to adhere to professional behaviors, it is not limited to their professional lives but extends to their personal lives as well.