Nokea
A nurse assesses a client with a spinal cord injury at level T5. The client's blood pressure is 184/95 mm Hg, and the client presents with a flushed face and blurred vision. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer oxygen via a nasal cannula.
- B. Place the client in a supine position.
- C. Palpate the bladder for distention.
- D. Administer a prescribed beta blocker.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client is manifesting symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, likely due to bladder distention. Palpating the bladder to check for distention is the first step to identify and address the cause. The other actions are not appropriate as initial responses.
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A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a diskectomy 6 hours ago. Which assessment finding should the nurse address first?
- A. Pain at the surgical site.
- B. Numbness in the lower extremities.
- C. Difficulty breathing.
- D. Weak pedal pulses.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Difficulty breathing could indicate a compromised airway, possibly due to swelling, which is a critical postoperative complication requiring immediate attention. Pain, numbness, and weak pulses are important but not as urgent as airway issues.
A nurse prepares a client for prescribed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Which action should the nurse implement prior to the test?
- A. Screen for metal implants or devices.
- B. Implement nothing by mouth (NPO) status for 8 hours.
- C. Administer a sedative to reduce anxiety.
- D. Ensure the client has an empty bladder.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Screening for metal implants or devices is critical before an MRI to prevent harm due to magnetic fields. NPO status, sedation, and bladder emptying are not typically required unless specified.
A nurse promotes the prevention of lower back pain by teaching clients at a community center. Which instruction should the nurse include in this education?
- A. Participate in an exercise program to strengthen muscles.
- B. Purchase a mattress that allows you to adjust the firmness.
- C. Wear flat instead of high-heeled shoes to work each day.
- D. Keep your weight within 20% of your ideal body weight.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Exercise can strengthen back muscles, reducing the incidence of low back pain. The other options will not prevent low back pain.
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a lumbar laminectomy. Which complications should alert the nurse to urgently communicate with the health care provider? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Surgical discomfort.
- B. Redness and itching at the incision site.
- C. Incisional bulging.
- D. Clear drainage on the dressing.
- E. Sudden and severe headache.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Incisional bulging, clear drainage (possible CSF leak), and severe headache are emergencies post-laminectomy. Surgical discomfort and redness/itching are normal and not urgent.
A nurse assesses a client with multiple sclerosis after administering prescribed fingolimod (Gilenya). For which adverse effect should the nurse monitor?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Black and tarry stools
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause bradycardia, especially within the first 6 hours after administration. Peripheral edema, black and tarry stools, and nausea and vomiting are not typical adverse effects of this medication.