A client in the postanesthesia care unit with a left below-the-knee amputation has pain in her left big toe. Which of the following should the nurse do first?
- A. Tell the client it is impossible to feel the pain.
- B. Show the client that the toes are not there.
- C. Explain to the client that her pain is real.
- D. Give the client the prescribed opioid analgesic.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phantom limb pain is real and distressing; acknowledging it validates the client's experience.
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A client with acute renal failure is at risk for:
- A. Infection.
- B. Hypoglycemia.
- C. Hypernatremia.
- D. Bone fractures.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infection risk is high due to impaired immune response and dialysis access.
Because of steroid excess after a bilateral adrenalectomy, the nurse should assess the client for:
- A. Postoperative confusion.
- B. Delayed wound healing.
- C. Emboli.
- D. Malnutrition.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excess steroids, even post-adrenalectomy, can cause delayed wound healing due to their catabolic effects.
The nurse should include which of the following instructions in the teaching plan for a client with chronic sinusitis?
- A. Avoid the use of caffeinated beverages.
- B. Perform postural drainage every day.
- C. Take hot showers twice daily.
- D. Report a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Hot showers help moisten nasal passages and promote sinus drainage, relieving symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Reporting a high fever is critical as it may indicate a worsening infection requiring medical attention. Caffeine restriction is not typically necessary. Postural drainage is more relevant for lung conditions like bronchiectasis.
A client with thyrotoxicosis says to the nurse, 'I am so irritable. I am having problems at work because I lose my temper very easily.' Which of the following responses by the nurse would give the client the most accurate explanation of her behavior?
- A. Your behavior is caused by your not following the medical regimen.'
- B. Your behavior is caused by the effects of the disease on your thyroid.'
- C. Your behavior is caused by your not accepting your diagnosis.'
- D. Your behavior is caused by the effects of the disease on your emotional stability.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thyrotoxicosis, due to excess thyroid hormone, increases metabolism and can affect the nervous system, leading to irritability and emotional lability. This explains the client's behavior as a direct result of the disease's impact on thyroid function.
The nurse should assess clients with chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) for:
- A. Eye pain.
- B. Excessive lacrimation.
- C. Colored light flashes.
- D. Decreasing peripheral vision.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic open-angle glaucoma typically presents with a gradual loss of peripheral vision due to optic nerve damage from increased intraocular pressure.
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