Comprehensive Assessment Form A
A nurse is assisting a provider with the removal of a chest tube. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
a. Instruct the client to lie prone with arms by the sides
b. Complete a surgical checklist on the client
c. Remind the client that there is minimal discomfort during the removal process
d. Place an occlusive dressing over the site once the tube is removed - ANSWER
d. Place an occlusive dressing over the site once the tube is removed
Observe the site for drainage.
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a thoracentesis. Which of the
following supplies should the nurse ensure are in the clients room? SATA
a. Oxygen equipment
b. Incentive spirometer
c. Pulse oximeter
d. Sterile dressing
e. Suture removal kit - ANSWER a, c, d
a. Oxygen equipment for SOB
b. Pulse ox to monitor ox sat during procedure
d. Sterile dressing to apply to the puncture site
Associated manifestation of Hypokalemia - ANSWER Hypoactive bowel sounds
The nurse is assessing the client for Chvostek's sign. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
a. Apply a BP cuff to the client's arm
b. Place a stethoscope bell over the client's carotid artery
c. Ask the client to lower their chin to their chest
d. Tap lightly on the client's cheek - ANSWER d. Tap lightly on the client's cheek
Tap over the facial nerve just below and anterior to the ear to elicit Chvostek's sign.
A positive sign = Facial twitching on the side of the face
The nurse is assessing the client who reports nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
Which of the following findings are manifestations of hypocalcemia? SATA
a. Tingling in fingers
b. Poor skin turgor
c. Abdominal pain
d. Elevated temperature
e. Muscle twitching - ANSWER a, c, e
, Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and
muscle twitching are manifestations of hypocalcemia.
Associated manifestation of Hypocalcemia - ANSWER Positive Trousseau's sign
Respiratory Diagnostic Procedures: Planning Care for a Client Who Is Scheduled for
a Thoracentesis - ANSWER Preprocedure:
- Percussion, auscultation, radiography, or sonography is used to locate the effusion
and needle insertion site.
- Assist the older client to maintain still for the procedure
- Position the client sitting upright with arms and shoulders raised and supported on
pillows and/or an overbed table and with feet and legs well-supported.
- Remain stills, no coughing or talking
Intraprocedure:
- Aseptic technique
- Monitor VS, skin color, and ox sat
- Amount of fluid removed is limited to 1L at a time to prevent re-expansion
pulmonary edema
Postprocedure:
- Apply dressing over puncture site
- Assess for bleeding or drainage
- Monitor VS and respiratory status hourly for the first several hours
- Encourage deep breathe to assist with lung expansion
- Obtain a postprocedure cxr
Thoracentesis - ANSWER Thoracentesis is the surgical perforation of the chest wall
and pleural space with a large-bore needle. It is performed to obtain specimens for
diagnostic evaluation, instill medication into the pleural space, and remove fluid or air
from the pleural space for therapeutic relief of pleural pressure.
Associated manifestation of Hyponatremia - ANSWER Bounding pulse
Electrolyte Imbalances: Identifying Manifestations of a Calcium Imbalance -
ANSWER Hypocalcemia:
- Level: <9 mg/dL
- Risk factors: Calcium deficit, diarrhea, end-stage kidney disease, wound drainage;
alkalosis, acute pancreatitis, immobility, parathyroid removal/damage
- S&S: Tetany (most common manifestation), paresthesia of the fingers and lips,
muscle twitches,
seizure, muscle spasms, hyperactive DTRs, positive Chvostek's sign (facial
twitching), positive Trousseau's sign (hand/finger spasms with BP cuff inflation),
cardiovascular irregularities, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Tx: Vitamin D supplements
- Complications: Cardiac arrest
A nurse is reviewing information with a client who is scheduled for pulmonary
function tests. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
a. "Do not use inhaler medications for 6 hr following the test."