A nurse assesses a client in skeletal traction. What indicates infection at the pin sites?
- A. Pallor
- B. Fever
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Elevated blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fever. Infection at the pin sites in skeletal traction commonly presents with systemic signs like fever. Fever is a typical response to infection as the body tries to fight off the invading pathogens. Pallor, bradycardia, and elevated blood pressure are not specific indicators of infection at pin sites. Pallor may indicate poor perfusion, bradycardia is a slow heart rate which is not typically associated with infection, and elevated blood pressure can be a response to various stressors but not a specific sign of infection at pin sites. In summary, fever is the most reliable indicator of infection at pin sites due to its systemic nature.
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A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride (KCL) to a client who is receiving diuretic therapy. The nurse reviews the client's serum potassium level results and discovers the client's potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Give the ordered KCL as prescribed.
- B. Hold the KCL and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Administer potassium via IV push.
- D. Check the client's potassium level again in 1 hour.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the ordered KCL as prescribed. The nurse should administer potassium chloride as prescribed because the client's potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Potassium chloride is indicated for clients with hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and the client's level falls within the normal range, so administering the ordered KCL is appropriate. Holding the KCL is unnecessary since the potassium level is not critically low. Administering potassium via IV push is not indicated as the client's potassium level is not critically low. Checking the client's potassium level again in 1 hour is unnecessary as the level is already within the normal range.
A nurse receives a unit of packed RBCs from a blood bank and notes that the time is 1130. The nurse should begin the infusion at which of the following times?
- A. As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set
- B. One hour after receiving the blood
- C. Two hours after receiving the blood
- D. Immediately after lunch break
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should begin the infusion as soon as possible after receiving the packed RBCs to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the blood's optimal efficacy. Delaying the infusion could increase the risk of contamination. Choice B (one hour after receiving the blood) is incorrect because it unnecessarily delays the infusion. Choice C (two hours after receiving the blood) is also incorrect as it further prolongs the time before starting the infusion. Choice D (immediately after lunch break) is incorrect as it does not prioritize the immediate need to administer the blood. Starting the infusion promptly is crucial to prevent any adverse reactions or complications for the patient.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a simple mastectomy. The client is to begin outpatient radiation therapy the next day. Which of the following instructions about maintaining skin integrity should the nurse include?
- A. Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation.
- B. Use sunscreen on the irradiated area.
- C. Apply lotion generously to the irradiated area.
- D. Rub the area with an alcohol-based lotion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation.
Rationale: Heat can increase skin sensitivity and damage during radiation therapy. It is important to avoid any source of heat on the irradiated area to prevent further skin irritation and burns.
Summary:
B. Using sunscreen is not necessary for radiation therapy as it does not protect against radiation.
C. Applying lotion generously can interfere with the radiation treatment and cause skin irritation.
D. Rubbing the area with an alcohol-based lotion can further irritate the skin and is not recommended during radiation therapy.
A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a client following a right cataract extraction. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lb) for 1 week.
- B. Avoid reading for 1 week.
- C. Limit eye movements for 1 week.
- D. Do not bend forward at the waist for 1 week.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid lifting anything heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lb) for 1 week. This is important to prevent increased intraocular pressure that could lead to complications post cataract surgery. Lifting heavy objects can strain the eye and potentially disrupt the healing process.
B: Avoid reading for 1 week is incorrect as reading does not significantly impact intraocular pressure or the healing process post cataract surgery.
C: Limit eye movements for 1 week is incorrect as normal eye movements do not typically pose a risk to the surgical site after cataract extraction.
D: Do not bend forward at the waist for 1 week is incorrect as bending at the waist does not directly affect intraocular pressure or the healing of the eye after cataract surgery.
A nurse in an ophthalmology clinic assesses a client suspected of having cataracts. What is an expected symptom?
- A. Eye pain
- B. Sudden vision loss
- C. Decreased ability to perceive colors
- D. Excessive tearing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased ability to perceive colors. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye's lens, leading to a decrease in the perception of colors. Eye pain (A) is not a typical symptom of cataracts. Sudden vision loss (B) is more commonly associated with conditions like retinal detachment. Excessive tearing (D) is not a prominent symptom of cataracts. Make sure to assess for other symptoms like blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night.