The nurse is caring for a client with a newly applied long leg cast. Which of these actions should the nurse take first to prevent complications from the cast?
- A. Check pedal pulses bilaterally
- B. Elevate the leg on pillows
- C. Apply ice to the cast
- D. Instruct the client to wiggle toes hourly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Checking pedal pulses bilaterally is the first action to ensure adequate circulation and detect potential complications like compartment syndrome early.
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The client with a left-sided weakness is to be discharged to home, where the client has an electrical bed. In preparation for discharge, the nurse assesses the client's ability to get out of bed independently- Which client actions indicate that further instruction is needed? Select all that apply.
- A. Places the bed in the lowest position
- B. Raises the head of the bed (HOB)
- C. Rolls onto the left side
- D. Pushes against the mattress with the weak elbow and stronger hand to rise to a sitting position
- E. Slides legs off the bed while pushing against the mattress to raise the body off the bed
- F. Once in a sitting position, sits at the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: C: Rolling onto the weaker left side is incorrect; the client should roll onto the stronger right side to maximize strength and stability. D: Using the weak elbow instead of the stronger elbow and hand to push off increases the risk of injury and instability.
The nurse suspects that a child may have ingested a caustic substance. Which comment by the child would be of greatest concern to the nurse?
- A. Ask the child if the mouth is burning or throat pain is present.'
- B. I feel sleepy and my stomach hurts.'
- C. My tongue feels funny and I’m thirsty.'
- D. Has the child had vomiting, diarrhea or stomach cramps?'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Local irritation of tissues indicates a corrosive poisoning. Burning in the mouth or throat pain suggests ingestion of a caustic substance, requiring immediate attention.
A patient asks a nurse the following question. Exposure to TB can be identified best with which of the following procedures? Which of the following tests is the most definitive of TB?
- A. Chest x-ray
- B. Mantoux test
- C. Breath sounds examination
- D. Sputum culture for gram-negative bacteria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Mantoux is the most accurate test to determine the presence of TB.
The nurse is teaching the client with a latex allergy about home and personal safety. Which information should the nurse emphasize? Select all that apply.
- A. Remove items in the home made from synthetic materials.
- B. Keep emergency telephone numbers readily accessible.
- C. Have someone remove any latex balloons and rubber bands.
- D. Avoid foods such as kiwi, bananas, avocados, and chestnuts.
- E. Certain plants, such as poinsettia plants, help remove allergens.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: B: Emergency numbers are critical for anaphylaxis. C: Latex items like balloons and rubber bands must be removed to avoid exposure. D: Certain foods can trigger cross-reactive allergic reactions. A and E are incorrect as synthetic materials are safe, and poinsettias can cause reactions.
A client asks the nurse to call the police and states: "I need to report that I am being abused by a nurse." The nurse should first
- A. focus on reality orientation to place and person
- B. assist with the report of the client's complaint to the police
- C. obtain more details of the client's claim of abuse
- D. document the statement on the client's chart with a report to the manager
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtain more details of the client's claim of abuse. The advocacy role of the professional nurse, as well as the legal duty of the reasonable prudent nurse, requires the investigation of claims of abuse to ensure appropriate action and protection for the client.