A 20-year-old patient with a massive head injury is on life support, including a ventilator to maintain respirations. What three criteria for brain death are necessary to discontinue life support?
- A. Irreversible cessation of all brain functions.
- B. Absence of brainstem reflexes.
- C. No spontaneous respirations.
- D. Fear of pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Brain death is confirmed when there is irreversible cessation of all brain functions, absence of brainstem reflexes, and no spontaneous respirations, meeting legal and medical criteria for death.
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A client had a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse verify with the provider?
- A. Administer enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously every 12 hr
- B. Place a wedge or pillow between the client's legs when turning.
- C. Instruct the client to restrict flexion of the hip past 120°.
- D. Encourage the client to perform foot and calf exercises every 2 hr
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because restricting flexion of the hip past 120° is crucial to prevent dislocation of the prosthetic hip joint post-operatively. Excessive flexion can lead to instability and potential complications. The other options are important but do not directly relate to the risk of hip dislocation. Administering enoxaparin helps prevent blood clots, using a wedge or pillow between the legs promotes proper alignment and comfort, and performing foot and calf exercises aids in preventing blood clots as well. However, restricting hip flexion is the most critical for the client's safety and optimal recovery after a total hip arthroplasty.
In addition to assessing the degree of the client’s impairment, which of the following information should a nurse obtain from a client who has recently turned blind?
- A. About the client’s diet
- B. About the client’s allergy history
- C. About the client’s family’s medical history
- D. About how the client is coping with the visual problems
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Understanding the client's emotional and psychological state is crucial for providing holistic care.
A client is being treated for inhalational anthrax following bioterrorism exposure. Which of the following medications should NOT be expected as a common treatment for anthrax?
- A. Ciprofloxacin
- B. Doxycycline
- C. Amoxicillin
- D. Penicillin G
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Penicillin G. Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is susceptible to ciprofloxacin and doxycycline. Penicillin and amoxicillin are not recommended due to the potential for B. anthracis to produce beta-lactamase, which can make the bacteria resistant to penicillin-based medications. Penicillin G is not effective in treating anthrax and should not be expected as a common treatment option.
You are reviewing your client's understanding of the post-operative stapedectomy instructions that you gave several days ago. Which comment concerns you the most?
- A. I'm going to take swimming lessons in a couple of months.'
- B. I have to take a long overseas flight in several weeks.'
- C. I can't wait to get back to my regular weightlifting class.'
- D. I have been coughing a lot with my mouth open.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weightlifting can increase intracranial pressure and compromise the surgical site, posing a risk to recovery.
The health care provider has ordered IV morphine q2-4hr PRN for a patient following major abdominal surgery. When should the nurse plan to administer the morphine?
- A. Before all planned painful activities
- B. Every 2 to 4 hours during the first 48 hours
- C. Every 4 hours as the patient requests the medication
- D. After assessing the nature and intensity of the patient's pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pain assessment guides the timing and dosage of analgesics, ensuring effective pain management.