A client with stage II ovarian cancer undergoes a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo- oopherectomy with tumor secretion, omentectomy, appendectomy, and lymphadenopathy. During the second postoperative day, which of the following assessment findings would raise concern in the nurse?
- A. Abdominal pain
- B. Serous drainage from the incision
- C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
- D. Shallow breathing and increasing lethargy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Shallow breathing and increasing lethargy. This could indicate a potential complication such as respiratory distress or postoperative infection. Shallow breathing may suggest respiratory compromise, while increasing lethargy could be a sign of systemic infection or inadequate oxygenation.
A: Abdominal pain is common postoperatively and can be managed with pain medication.
B: Serous drainage from the incision is normal and expected in the early postoperative period.
C: Hypoactive bowel sounds are common after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and manipulation of the bowel; it typically resolves as the patient recovers.
In summary, the other options are common postoperative findings, while shallow breathing and increasing lethargy are concerning signs that require immediate attention.
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A client is being prepared for cardiac catheterization. The nurse performs an initial assessment and records the vital signs. Which of the following data collected can be classified as subjective data?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Nausea
- C. Heart rate
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data refers to information provided by the client based on their feelings, perceptions, or beliefs. Nausea is a symptom that the client experiences and reports subjectively. The client feels nauseous, which is not something directly measurable like blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate. Therefore, nausea is the correct choice for subjective data. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are all objective data that can be measured and observed. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are all objective data that can be measured and observed.
In a 28-year-old female client who is being successfully treated for Cushing syndrome, the nurse would expect a decline in:
- A. serum glucose level.
- B. bone mineralization.
- C. hair loss
- D. menstrual flow.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: menstrual flow. In a 28-year-old female with Cushing syndrome, excess cortisol levels can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular or absent periods. Successful treatment for Cushing syndrome aims to restore normal cortisol levels, which should result in the resumption of regular menstrual flow. This indicates that the hormonal balance is improving.
Now, let's analyze the other choices:
A: Serum glucose level - While Cushing syndrome can lead to hyperglycemia, successful treatment would aim to normalize glucose levels, not cause a decline.
B: Bone mineralization - Cushing syndrome can cause osteoporosis due to loss of bone density, but successful treatment would help prevent further bone loss rather than decline.
C: Hair loss - Cushing syndrome can cause hair loss, but successful treatment would not necessarily lead to a decline in hair loss as it may take time for hair to regrow.
Therefore, the correct answer is D as it directly relates to the restoration of hormonal
A patient is hospitalized following a stroke. Three days after admission, the patient is able to converse clearly with the nurse during the morning assessment. Early in the afternoon, the patient’s daughter runs out of the room and says, “My mother can’t talk. Somebody help!” Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. Explain to the daughter that this is not uncommon, esp. in the afternoon when the patient is tired from the morning care activities.
- B. Do a quick assessment to confirm the change in the patient’s status, then notify the RN or physician.
- C. Call the speech therapist to come and to do a comprehensive speech assessment.
- D. Show the daughter how to do the speech exercises with her mother that were provided by the therapist
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should do a quick assessment to confirm the change in the patient's status, then notify the RN or physician. This is the best response because the nurse needs to immediately assess the patient's condition to ensure prompt intervention if needed. By confirming the change in the patient's status, the nurse can provide the necessary information to the healthcare team for appropriate evaluation and management. The other choices are incorrect because: A does not address the urgency of the situation, C involves unnecessary delay by waiting for the speech therapist, and D is not appropriate as the nurse should be the one assessing and notifying the healthcare team.
The nurse is gathering data on a patient. Which data will the nurse report as objective data?
- A. States “doesn’t feel good”
- B. Reports a headache
- C. Respirations 16
- D. Nauseated
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Objective data in nursing refers to measurable and observable information. Respirations at 16 per minute are a specific, quantifiable measurement that the nurse can directly observe, making it objective data. This information is vital for assessing the patient's respiratory status accurately.
Choice A is incorrect because stating "doesn't feel good" is a subjective statement based on the patient's perception and cannot be directly measured or observed. Choice B, reporting a headache, is also subjective as it relies on the patient's description of their symptoms. Choice D, being nauseated, is subjective as well, as it is a symptom reported by the patient and not a quantifiable measurement.
In summary, choice C is correct as it represents objective data due to its quantifiable and observable nature, while the other choices are subjective and based on the patient's perceptions or feelings.
An adult is being taught about a healthy diet. How can the food pyramid help guide the client on his diet?
- A. By indicating exactly how many servings of each group to eat
- B. By calculating how many calories the client should have
- C. By suggesting daily food choices
- D. By dividing the food into four basic groups
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the food pyramid suggests daily food choices based on the different food groups. It provides a visual guide on the proportions of each food group to consume for a balanced diet. It does not specify the exact number of servings (A), calculate calories (B), or divide food into four basic groups (D). The food pyramid is a tool to help individuals make healthier food choices by emphasizing variety and moderation.