A female client who was involved in a motor vehicle collision is admitted with a fractured left femur which is immobilized using a fracture traction splint in preparation for an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The nurse determines that her distal pulses are diminished in the left foot. Which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply)
- A. Verify pedal pulses using a doppler pulse device.
- B. Monitor left leg for pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, pressure.
- C. Evaluate the application of the splint to the left leg.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to evaluate the application of the splint to the left leg in a client with diminished distal pulses. This assessment helps ensure that the splint is not causing any compromise to circulation. Verifying pulses and monitoring for leg conditions are important interventions but do not directly address the issue with the splint application in this scenario, making them less relevant.
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The nurse is teaching a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about dietary modifications. Which food should the client avoid?
- A. Applesauce
- B. White rice
- C. Coffee
- D. Bananas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coffee. Coffee should be avoided by clients with GERD as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to an increase in GERD symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are not directly associated with worsening GERD symptoms and can be included in moderation in the diet of a client with GERD.
In the change of shift report, the nurse is told that a client has a stage 2 pressure ulcer. Which ulcer appearance is most likely to be observed?
- A. Shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
- B. Intact skin with non-blanchable redness.
- C. Full-thickness tissue loss with visible fat.
- D. Full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.' Stage 2 pressure ulcers involve partial-thickness skin loss and typically appear as shallow open ulcers with a red-pink wound bed. Choice B describes a stage 1 ulcer, where the skin is intact but shows non-blanchable redness. Choice C describes a stage 3 ulcer, with full-thickness tissue loss exposing fat. Choice D is characteristic of a stage 4 ulcer, where there is full-thickness tissue loss exposing bone, tendon, or muscle. Therefore, option A best fits the description of a stage 2 pressure ulcer.
What is the hallmark sign of intussusception?
- A. Mucus-like stools
- B. Currant jelly-like stools
- C. Tarry, black stools
- D. Green, soft stools
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The hallmark sign of intussusception is currant jelly-like stools, which result from the mixture of blood and mucus in the stool due to the sloughing of intestinal mucosa. Mucus-like stools (Choice A) are not typically associated with intussusception. Tarry, black stools (Choice C) are characteristic of gastrointestinal bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, such as from a peptic ulcer. Green, soft stools (Choice D) are more indicative of rapid transit through the intestines, possibly due to dietary factors or infections such as gastroenteritis.
Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching plan for a client who has had a cataract extraction today?
- A. Use a metal eye shield on the operative eye during the day.
- B. Administer eye ointment after applying eye drops.
- C. Light housekeeping is safe to do, but avoid heavy lifting.
- D. Refrain from sexual activities until follow-up appointment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching plan for a client who has had a cataract extraction is that light housekeeping is safe to do, but heavy lifting should be avoided to prevent increased intraocular pressure. Choice A is incorrect as the eye shield is usually worn at night to protect the eye. Choice B is incorrect as eye ointment is usually applied after eye drops to avoid washing away the ointment. Choice D is incorrect as sexual activities should be avoided until the follow-up appointment to prevent complications.
Methotrexate is prescribed for a client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who is also taking aspirin. What is the best explanation for the nurse to provide as to why a second medication has been added?
- A. Methotrexate slows the disease progression while aspirin controls the symptoms.
- B. Methotrexate helps to reduce the side effects of aspirin.
- C. Methotrexate has fewer harmful side effects than aspirin.
- D. Methotrexate enhances the effect of aspirin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while aspirin helps control symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Therefore, the combination of methotrexate and aspirin is beneficial in managing RA by addressing both disease progression and symptom control. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because methotrexate is not added to reduce the side effects of aspirin, has different side effects compared to aspirin, and does not enhance the effect of aspirin.