Which of the following actions should the nurse take to maintain patient safety when ambulating a patient for the first time postoperatively?
- A. Use one person to assist patient.
- B. Use two people to assist patient.
- C. Encourage patient to “dangle” self 1 hour before ambulation.
- D. Give narcotic 15 minutes before ambulation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use two people to assist the patient. This is the safest option as it provides optimal support and stability for the patient during their first postoperative ambulation. Two people can help prevent falls, ensure proper body mechanics, and offer immediate assistance if needed. Using one person (choice A) may not provide enough support. Encouraging the patient to "dangle" (choice C) may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension. Giving a narcotic before ambulation (choice D) can impair the patient's balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
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After assessing a patient, a nurse develops a standard formal nursing diagnosis. What is the rationale for the nurse’s actions?
- A. To form a language that can be encoded only by nurses
- B. To distinguish the nurse’s role from the physician’s role
- C. To develop clinical judgment based on other’s intuition
- D. To help nurses focus on the scope of medical practice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a standard formal nursing diagnosis helps nurses focus on the scope of their practice. By identifying specific patient problems and their potential causes, nurses can provide appropriate interventions and evaluate patient outcomes effectively. This process enhances the quality of care delivery and promotes patient safety.
A: This is incorrect because nursing diagnoses are not meant to be a language exclusive to nurses but rather a standardized way to communicate patient data.
B: This is incorrect as nursing diagnoses are not about distinguishing roles but rather about identifying and addressing patient problems.
C: This is incorrect as nursing diagnoses are based on evidence and critical thinking, not solely on intuition.
What does a nurse assess postoperatively in a client with a nasal fracture?
- A. Allergic reaction
- B. Extreme sense of smell
- C. Airway obstruction
- D. Stridor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Airway obstruction. Postoperatively, a nurse must assess for airway patency in a client with a nasal fracture to ensure proper breathing. Any swelling or bleeding in the nasal area can lead to airway obstruction, which is a critical concern that needs immediate intervention. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because an allergic reaction, extreme sense of smell, and stridor are not typically associated with postoperative assessment of a nasal fracture. It is crucial to prioritize airway assessment to prevent any complications related to breathing difficulties in this situation.
The thymus gland role with the immune system is which of the following?
- A. Maturates B cells
- B. Maturates platelets
- C. Maturates red blood cells
- D. Maturates T cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maturates T cells. The thymus gland is crucial for the maturation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells mature in the thymus through a process of selection and education, where they learn to distinguish self from non-self antigens. This process is essential for the development of a functional immune system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus gland does not play a role in the maturation of B cells, platelets, or red blood cells, respectively.
Halfway through the administration of a unit of blood, a client complains of lumbar pain. The nurse should:
- A. Obtain vita! Signs
- B. Assess the pain further
- C. Stop the transfusion
- D. Increase the flow of normal saline SITUATION: James, A 27 basketball player sustained inhalation burn that required him to have tracheostomy due to massive upper airway edema.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stop the transfusion. Lumbar pain during blood administration could indicate a transfusion reaction, such as a hemolytic reaction or fluid overload. Stopping the transfusion is crucial to prevent further harm to the client. Obtaining vital signs (A) is important but not the priority when a transfusion reaction is suspected. Assessing the pain further (B) may delay necessary intervention. Increasing the flow of normal saline (D) is not indicated and may worsen fluid overload. In this situation, stopping the transfusion is the most appropriate action to ensure client safety.
The nurse assesses a client shortly after kidney transplant surgery. Which postoperative finding must the nurse report to the physician immediately?
- A. Serum potassium level of 4.9mEq/L
- B. Temperature of 99.2F (37.3C)
- C. Serum sodium level of 135mEq/L
- D. Urine output of 20mL/hour
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urine output of 20mL/hour. This is a critical finding after kidney transplant surgery as it indicates potential kidney dysfunction or acute kidney injury. Decreased urine output can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Immediate physician notification is crucial for prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and do not indicate immediate danger. Serum potassium level of 4.9mEq/L is slightly elevated but not critical. Temperature of 99.2F (37.3C) is within normal limits for postoperative care. Serum sodium level of 135mEq/L is also normal and does not warrant immediate physician notification.