When assessing the client who is recovering from a radical hysterectomy with vulvectomy, the nurse notes lymphedema of the lower extremities. Which intervention should be implemented by the nurse?
- A. Elevate the head of the client’s bed to 45 degrees.
- B. Increase the client’s intake of fluids high in sodium.
- C. Encourage the client to exercise the lower extremities.
- D. Apply splints to both of the client’s lower extremities.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle may increase lymphedema of the lower extremities. B. Intake of fluids high in sodium will cause fluid retention. C. Leg exercises will improve drainage when lymphedema is present. D. Lower-extremity splints can cause skin breakdown of edematous tissue.
You may also like to solve these questions
The client is admitted to the emergency department after a motor-vehicle accident. The nurse notes profuse bleeding from a right-sided abdominal injury. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Type and crossmatch for red blood cells immediately (STAT).
- B. Initiate an IV with an 18-gauge needle and hang normal saline.
- C. Have the client sign a consent for an exploratory laparotomy.
- D. Notify the significant other of the client’s admission.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Profuse bleeding requires immediate IV access with 18-gauge and NS (B) to stabilize hemodynamics. Crossmatch (A), consent (C), and notification (D) follow.
The laboratory results for a male client diagnosed with leukemia include RBC count 2.1 x 106/mm3, WBC count 150 x 103/mm3, platelets 22 x 103/mm3, K+ 3.8 mEq/L, and Na+ 139 mEq/L. Based on these results, which intervention should the nurse teach the client?
- A. Encourage the client to eat foods high in iron.
- B. Instruct the client to use an electric razor when shaving.
- C. Discuss the importance of limiting sodium in the diet.
- D. Instruct the family to limit visits to once a week.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Low platelets (22,000) increase bleeding risk; an electric razor (B) prevents cuts. Iron (A) is for anemia, sodium (C) is normal (139), and limiting visits (D) is excessive.
The nurse is caring for the client who had a left modified radical mastectomy (a total mastectomy with axillary node dissection and removal of the lining over the pectoralis major muscle). Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Have the client elevate the left arm above the head
- B. Ensure that IV access sites are only on the right side
- C. Have the client view the incision site as soon as possible
- D. Initiate left arm strengthening within 24 hours of surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. The arm on the operative side should be elevated on a pillow, but not above the head. B. All IV access sites should be located on the nonoperative side to prevent circulatory impairment. C. Having the client look at the incision should be at the client’s readiness, not as soon as possible. D. Only ROM to the lower arm should be carried out for the first few days after surgery, with exercises and ROM to the shoulder after the drains are removed.
The client’s nephew has just been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The client asks the nurse, 'How did my nephew get this disease?' Which statement would be the best response by the nurse?
- A. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited autosomal recessive disease.'
- B. He was born with it and both his parents were carriers of the disease.'
- C. At this time, the cause of sickle cell anemia is unknown.'
- D. Your sister was exposed to a virus while she was pregnant.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SCA is an autosomal recessive disorder (A), the most precise explanation. Parents as carriers (B) is partial, cause is known (C), and viral exposure (D) is incorrect.
A child who is being treated for leukemia develops stomatitis. Which of the following nursing care measures is essential?
- A. Using dental floss to clean the teeth
- B. Frequent cleaning of the mouth with an astringent mouthwash
- C. Use of an overbed cradle
- D. Swabbing the mouth with moistened cotton swabs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swabbing the mouth with moistened cotton swabs gently cleans the mouth without irritating stomatitis. Flossing or astringent mouthwash may worsen irritation, and an overbed cradle is unrelated.