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A client has a prescription for a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit for pain management during the postoperative period following a Lumbar Laminectomy. What information should the nurse reinforce about the action of this adjuvant pain modality?
- A. Mild electrical stimulus on the skin surface closes the gates of nerve conduction for severe pain
- B. Pain perception in the cerebral cortex is dulled by the unit's discharge of an electrical stimulus
- C. An infusion of medication in the spinal canal will block pain perception
- D. The discharge of electricity will distract the client's focus on the pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. TENS units work by delivering small electrical impulses through the skin. These impulses are thought to close the 'gates of nerve conduction,' which can help in managing severe pain. Choice B is incorrect because the dulled pain perception does not occur in the cerebral cortex by the TENS unit. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a different method of pain management involving medication in the spinal canal. Choice D is incorrect because TENS does not work by distracting the client's focus on pain, but rather by altering pain perception through electrical impulses.
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The nurse is caring for a client postoperatively following a hip replacement. Which intervention is most important to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
- A. Keep the client in a low Fowler's position
- B. Maintain hip abduction with pillows
- C. Encourage early ambulation
- D. Place the client in a prone position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining hip abduction with pillows is crucial in preventing dislocation of the hip prosthesis postoperatively. This position helps keep the hip joint stable and reduces the risk of the prosthesis becoming displaced. Choices A, C, and D are not as effective in preventing dislocation. Keeping the client in a low Fowler's position does not provide the necessary hip support. While early ambulation is important for circulation and preventing complications, maintaining hip abduction is more specific to preventing prosthesis dislocation. Placing the client in a prone position can increase the risk of hip prosthesis dislocation due to the extreme positioning.
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube after thoracic surgery. What is the most important assessment related to the chest tube?
- A. Ensure continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
- B. Measure the amount of drainage every shift
- C. Keep the drainage system at the level of the chest
- D. Assess for subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important assessment related to a chest tube after thoracic surgery is to assess for subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site. Subcutaneous emphysema can indicate air leakage from the pleural space, which can lead to serious complications such as a pneumothorax. Ensuring continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not the most critical assessment as it is a normal finding in a chest drainage system. While measuring the amount of drainage is important to monitor the client's condition, it is not as crucial as assessing for subcutaneous emphysema. Keeping the drainage system at the level of the chest helps maintain proper function but is not the most critical assessment in this scenario.
When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, what is the most important assessment to perform?
- A. Check the client's oxygen saturation
- B. Assess the tracheostomy site for signs of infection
- C. Monitor the client's respiratory rate
- D. Ensure the tracheostomy ties are secure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important assessment to perform when caring for a client with a tracheostomy is to check the client's oxygen saturation. This assessment is crucial as it ensures that the client is receiving adequate oxygen through the tracheostomy. Monitoring oxygen saturation provides immediate information on the client's respiratory status and the effectiveness of the airway management. Assessing the tracheostomy site for signs of infection is important but not as critical as ensuring adequate oxygenation. Monitoring the respiratory rate is also essential but does not directly assess the effectiveness of oxygenation. Ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure is important for maintaining the device but does not directly evaluate the client's oxygenation status.
Which nursing activity is within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?
- A. Complete an admission assessment in the normal newborn nursery
- B. Discontinue a central venous catheter that has become dislodged
- C. Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump
- D. Monitor a continuous narcotic epidural for a postoperative client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump.' This activity is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse as it involves observing and ensuring proper technique for using an insulin pump, which aligns with their training and responsibilities. Choices A, B, and D are beyond the typical scope of practice for a practical nurse. Completing an admission assessment for a newborn nursery is usually performed by a registered nurse. Discontinuing a dislodged central venous catheter and monitoring a narcotic epidural require advanced skills and knowledge, usually carried out by registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.
The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a 6-month-old infant. Which site is most appropriate for this injection?
- A. Deltoid muscle
- B. Ventrogluteal muscle
- C. Dorsogluteal muscle
- D. Vastus lateralis muscle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants due to its size and safety. The deltoid muscle is typically used for adults and older children. The ventrogluteal muscle is more commonly used in toddlers and older children. The dorsogluteal muscle is not recommended for intramuscular injections in any age group due to its proximity to major nerves and blood vessels, which poses a risk of injury or sciatic nerve damage.