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A client who is post-operative from a spinal fusion surgery reports a sudden onset of severe headache when sitting up. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer pain medication.
- B. Lay the client flat and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Encourage the client to drink more fluids.
- D. Assess the client's surgical site for drainage.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action is to lay the client flat and notify the healthcare provider. A severe headache in a post-operative spinal fusion patient can indicate a spinal fluid leak, which is a medical emergency. By laying the client flat, the nurse helps reduce symptoms by decreasing pressure differentials. Administering pain medication without further assessment or intervention is inappropriate before identifying the cause of the headache. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is not the priority when a serious complication like a spinal fluid leak is suspected. While assessing the surgical site is important, it is not the priority when a potentially life-threatening complication is suspected.
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Which action should the PN implement when using standard precautions to provide client care?
- A. Apply sterile gloves to obtain a finger stick blood sample
- B. Wear clean exam gloves to perform perineal catheter care
- C. Replace the needle cap after giving an intramuscular injection
- D. Wear a paper gown to prevent transmission of droplet pathogens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When using standard precautions, healthcare providers should wear clean exam gloves to perform perineal catheter care. This approach helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and ensures the safety of both the client and the healthcare provider. Choice A is incorrect because applying sterile gloves for a finger stick blood sample is unnecessary when non-sterile gloves would suffice. Choice C is incorrect because replacing the needle cap after giving an intramuscular injection is not directly related to standard precautions. Choice D is incorrect because wearing a paper gown is not a standard precaution for preventing the transmission of droplet pathogens.
The nurse is caring for an elderly female client who tells the nurse, 'When I sneeze, I wet my pants.' After discussing the client's complaint with the charge nurse, the nurse plans to reinforce teaching about the importance of Kegel exercises. What muscles are involved in these exercises?
- A. Pectoral muscles
- B. Buttock muscles
- C. Abdominal muscles
- D. Pelvic floor muscles
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kegel exercises involve the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help strengthen the muscles controlling urination, potentially reducing symptoms of urinary incontinence. Pectoral muscles (Choice A), responsible for movement of the shoulders and arms, are not involved in Kegel exercises. Buttock muscles (Choice B) are primarily responsible for hip movement and stability, not related to Kegel exercises. Abdominal muscles (Choice C) support the core and trunk but are not the focus of Kegel exercises.
There has been a serious explosion at a local factory, and many of the injured are arriving at the hospital. Which of the following patients should a nurse attend to first?
- A. A 30-year-old male who is able to walk into the hospital on his own but has numerous lacerations on the chest and face
- B. A 45-year-old male who was brought in on a stretcher, has been assessed as having respiration and circulation within normal limits, and can follow simple commands
- C. A 50-year-old woman who can walk but has a broken arm and numerous lacerations
- D. A 19-year-old man who has numerous lacerations all over the body and whose respiration exceeds 30 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The 19-year-old man with a respiration rate exceeding 30 breaths per minute is showing signs of respiratory distress, indicating a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Patients with respiratory distress should be prioritized as it is a critical condition. Choices A, B, and C describe patients with injuries that are less immediately life-threatening or who are more stable based on the provided information, so they can be attended to after the patient with respiratory distress. Therefore, the nurse should attend to the 19-year-old man first to address his respiratory distress and ensure his condition does not deteriorate further.
What is the primary role of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?
- A. Pacemaker of the heart
- B. Blood pressure regulation
- C. Electrical conduction delay
- D. Stimulating muscle contraction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pacemaker of the heart. The SA node, known as the natural pacemaker, initiates the electrical impulses that set the rhythm for the heartbeat. It is responsible for coordinating the heart's contractions by generating electrical signals at regular intervals. Choice B is incorrect as the SA node's primary function is not related to blood pressure regulation. Choice C is incorrect as the SA node does not cause electrical conduction delay but rather initiates and conducts the electrical impulses. Choice D is incorrect as the SA node does not directly stimulate muscle contraction but rather initiates the electrical events that lead to muscle contraction.
A female client taking a liquid iron preparation expresses concern that her tooth color has darkened since starting the medication. What action should the PN implement?
- A. Teach the client to use a straw when taking the medication to reduce further tooth staining
- B. Advise the client to withhold further doses until consulting with the healthcare provider
- C. Reassure the client that this change indicates the medication is having the desired effect
- D. Determine if the client is also experiencing mouth or gum pain and difficulty swallowing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the PN to implement is to teach the client to use a straw when taking the medication to reduce further tooth staining. Using a straw minimizes contact between the iron preparation and the teeth, helping prevent additional staining. Choice B is incorrect because withholding doses without consulting the healthcare provider could be detrimental to the client's health. Choice C is incorrect because darkening of tooth color is not an expected effect of liquid iron preparation and should not be reassured as a desired effect. Choice D is incorrect as it does not directly address the client's concern about tooth staining.