Nokea
A client with DM has an above-knee amputation because of severe peripheral vascular disease. Two days following surgery, when preparing the client for dinner, what is the nurse's primary responsibility?
- A. Check the client's serum glucose level
- B. Assist the client out of bed to the chair
- C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position
- D. Ensure that the client's residual limb is elevated
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's serum glucose level. In a client with diabetes who just had surgery, monitoring the serum glucose level is crucial to ensure proper management of the condition. This helps in preventing complications related to blood sugar fluctuations. Assisting the client out of bed may be important but not the primary responsibility at this time. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position or ensuring the residual limb is elevated are important interventions for comfort and circulation but are not the primary concern in this scenario.
You may also like to solve these questions
You are caring for a patient who has no cognitive functioning but only basic human functions such as opening the eyes and the sleep-wake cycle. What level of consciousness does this patient have?
- A. Obtunded
- B. A persistent vegetative state
- C. Locked-in syndrome
- D. Brain death
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A persistent vegetative state is characterized by the absence of cognitive functioning while basic human functions like the sleep-wake cycle are retained. In this state, the patient shows reflex movements and basic responses to stimuli but lacks awareness or higher mental functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because:
A) Obtunded refers to a decreased level of consciousness, not the absence of cognitive functioning.
C) Locked-in syndrome is a condition where the patient is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles except for vertical eye movements and blinking.
D) Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain activity, including the brainstem, leading to the loss of all functions of the brain.
You are caring for a patient with multiple trauma. Of all of these injuries and conditions, which is the most serious?
- A. A deviated trachea
- B. Gross deformity of a lower extremity
- C. Hematuria
- D. Decreased bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A deviated trachea is the most serious condition among the choices provided. It can indicate a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. Choice B, a gross deformity of a lower extremity, while significant, is not as immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice C, hematuria, may indicate kidney injury but is not as acutely life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice D, decreased bowel sounds, could indicate abdominal issues, but it is not as urgent or immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea.
A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?
- A. ST depression
- B. Inverted T wave
- C. Prominent U wave
- D. Tall peaked T waves
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tall peaked T waves.' Tall peaked T waves are characteristic ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the elevated potassium levels affect the myocardium, leading to changes in the ECG. ST depression (Choice A) is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Inverted T wave (Choice B) is seen in conditions like myocardial ischemia or CNS events. Prominent U wave (Choice C) is typically associated with hypokalemia or certain medications. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse would expect to note tall peaked T waves on the electrocardiogram due to the elevated potassium level.
Who should document care?
- A. The LPNs should document the care that they provided and the care that was given by unlicensed assistive staff.
- B. The registered nurse must document all of the care that is provided by the nursing assistants because they are accountable for all care.
- C. All staff members should document all of the care that they have provided.
- D. All staff should document all of the care that they have provided but the registered nurse, as the only independent practitioner, signs it.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All staff members should document the care they provided as part of their accountability and to ensure accurate and comprehensive records. In healthcare settings, it is essential for all staff to document the care they deliver for continuity of care and legal purposes. The registered nurse may sign off on the documentation for oversight purposes, but the responsibility of documenting care extends to all staff involved in patient care. Choices A and B incorrectly limit the responsibility to specific roles, while choice D inaccurately suggests that only the registered nurse signs off on the documentation, overlooking the importance of comprehensive documentation by all staff members involved.
A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a left leg below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following client statements indicates the potential need for a referral to an occupational therapist?
- A. I hope I can adjust to using crutches while I am recovering.
- B. I am worried about taking care of my toddler at home.
- C. I just don't think I can handle looking at my leg.
- D. I am not sure how I will pay for all the therapy I will need.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client's statement about adjusting to using crutches while recovering suggests a potential need for occupational therapy referral. Occupational therapists assist individuals in regaining independence in activities of daily living, including mobility aids and adaptations. Choices B, C, and D are more indicative of emotional or financial concerns and may require referrals to other healthcare professionals like counselors or financial advisors, rather than occupational therapists.