A client with limited mobility in his lower extremities is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin breakdown?
- A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
- B. Increase the client's intake of carbohydrates
- C. Massage the reddened areas with unscented lotion
- D. Have the client use a trapeze bar when changing positions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to have the client use a trapeze bar when changing positions. This action helps in repositioning without causing friction or shearing, which can lead to skin breakdown. Placing the client in high-Fowler's position (Choice A) may not directly prevent skin breakdown related to limited mobility. Increasing carbohydrate intake (Choice B) is not relevant to preventing skin breakdown. Massaging reddened areas with lotion (Choice C) can potentially cause more harm by increasing friction and damaging the skin further, rather than preventing breakdown.
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A client is 48 hours postoperative following a small bowel resection. The client reports gas pains in the periumbilical area. The nurse should plan care based on which of the following factors contributing to this postoperative complication?
- A. Impaired peristalsis of the intestines
- B. Infection at the surgical site
- C. Fluid overload
- D. Inadequate pain management
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gas pains in the periumbilical area postoperatively are often caused by impaired peristalsis and bowel function. Following abdominal surgery, it is common for peristalsis to be reduced due to surgical manipulation and anesthesia effects. This reduction in peristalsis can lead to the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in gas pains. Infection at the surgical site (Choice B) would present with localized signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage, rather than diffuse gas pains. Fluid overload (Choice C) would manifest with symptoms such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, not gas pains. Inadequate pain management (Choice D) may lead to increased discomfort, but it is not the primary cause of gas pains in the periumbilical area following a small bowel resection.
A healthcare professional is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?
- A. Evaluate pedal pulses
- B. Assess skin temperature
- C. Check for capillary refill
- D. Measure the leg circumference
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Evaluating pedal pulses should be the first action taken as it provides immediate information about circulation. This assessment helps in determining the adequacy of blood flow in the client's leg. Assessing skin temperature, checking for capillary refill, and measuring leg circumference are important assessments; however, evaluating pedal pulses is the most crucial initial step in this scenario. Skin temperature assessment and capillary refill check can provide additional valuable information about perfusion, while measuring leg circumference is useful in monitoring for edema. Therefore, for a client with decreased circulation in the left leg, evaluating pedal pulses takes precedence over the other assessments.
A nurse observes smoke coming from under the door of the staff lounge. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
- A. Extinguish the fire.
- B. Activate the fire alarm.
- C. Move clients who are nearby.
- D. Close all open doors on the unit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a fire emergency, the nurse's priority is to activate the fire alarm. This action alerts others to the emergency, initiates the evacuation process, and ensures everyone's safety. Extinguishing the fire can be dangerous and should be left to trained personnel. Moving clients who are nearby might delay the activation of the alarm and can put the nurse and clients at risk. Closing all open doors on the unit is important to contain the fire but should not take precedence over alerting others through the fire alarm system.
Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?
- A. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
- B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
- C. The nurse will assist the patient to ambulate in the hall 2 times a day.
- D. The patient will ambulate by the time of discharge.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The goal 'The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge' is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, achievable, and individualized. This goal sets a clear target for the patient's mobility progress post-surgery. Choice A is too vague and does not provide a specific target distance or method of ambulation. Choice C focuses on the nurse's actions rather than the patient's progress. Choice D lacks specificity in terms of distance or assistance required, making it less measurable and individualized compared to Choice B.
The client has expressive aphasia and needs assistance to communicate. Which method should the LPN use to best support the client's ability to express basic needs?
- A. Use a picture board with common needs.
- B. Encourage the client to speak slowly.
- C. Write down what the client says.
- D. Use hand gestures to communicate.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to use a picture board with common needs. Clients with expressive aphasia have difficulty speaking but can often understand and use visual aids effectively. Using a picture board helps the client communicate basic needs more easily. Encouraging the client to speak slowly (choice B) may not be effective as the issue lies with expressive language, not speed. Writing down what the client says (choice C) may not always be possible or helpful for immediate communication as it does not address the communication barrier directly. Using hand gestures (choice D) may not be as clear or universally understood as a picture board, which can cause confusion and misinterpretation.