A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Photophobia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Intermittent headache
- D. Petechiae on the chest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Photophobia. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a classic symptom of meningitis due to the irritation of the meninges causing increased sensitivity to light. This occurs because the inflamed meninges lead to stimulation of the nerves around the brain, resulting in discomfort when exposed to light.
Bradycardia (B) is not typically associated with meningitis. Intermittent headache (C) is vague and can be present in various conditions. Petechiae on the chest (D) are more commonly seen in conditions like meningococcal meningitis.
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A nurse is admitting a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Photophobia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Intermittent headache
- D. Petechiae on the chest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Photophobia. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a common symptom of meningitis due to inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This occurs because bright light can worsen the headache associated with meningitis. Bradycardia and petechiae on the chest are not typical findings in meningitis. Intermittent headache is vague and not specific to meningitis.
A nurse is assessing a client who has skeletal traction for a femoral fracture. The nurse notes that the weights are resting on the floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Remove one of the weights.
- B. Tie knots in the ropes near the pulleys to shorten them.
- C. Increase the elevation of the affected extremity.
- D. Reapply the weights to ensure proper traction.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reapply the weights to ensure proper traction. When the weights are resting on the floor, it means that there is no longer effective traction on the affected limb. To maintain proper skeletal traction, the weights should be suspended freely in the air. By reapplying the weights and ensuring they are hanging freely, the nurse can restore the necessary traction force to immobilize the fractured bone and facilitate healing. Removing a weight (choice A) may compromise the traction. Tying knots in the ropes (choice B) may alter the mechanics of the traction system. Increasing the elevation of the extremity (choice C) does not address the issue of the weights resting on the floor.
A nurse is providing instructions about foot care for a client who has peripheral arterial disease. The nurse should identify that which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I apply a lubricating lotion to the cracked areas on the soles of my feet every morning.'
- B. I rest in my recliner with my feet elevated for about an hour every afternoon.'
- C. I use my heating pad on a low setting to keep my feet warm.'
- D. I soak my feet in hot water before trimming my toenails.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because applying a lubricating lotion to the cracked areas on the soles of the feet helps prevent further skin breakdown and infection, which is crucial in peripheral arterial disease. Choice B may improve circulation, but it does not address foot care directly. Choice C can lead to burns or injury due to decreased sensation in peripheral arterial disease. Choice D poses a risk of injury or infection due to the potential for skin damage while soaking the feet. Overall, choice A is the most appropriate for maintaining foot health in peripheral arterial disease.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of a microvascular complication?
- A. Peripheral neuropathy
- B. Hypertension
- C. Retinopathy
- D. Stroke
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Retinopathy. In type 2 diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels in the retina, leading to retinopathy, a microvascular complication affecting the eyes. This can result in vision problems or even blindness. Peripheral neuropathy (A) is a macrovascular complication affecting the nerves, not the microvasculature. Hypertension (B) is a common comorbidity but not a direct microvascular complication. Stroke (D) is a macrovascular complication involving large blood vessels in the brain, not microvasculature. Thus, the nurse should identify retinopathy (C) as the correct indication of a microvascular complication in a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hr postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Maintain abduction of the affected extremity.
- B. Position the client in high Fowler’s position.
- C. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the ankles.
- D. Have the client bend forward at the waist while sitting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maintain abduction of the affected extremity. After a total hip arthroplasty, maintaining abduction of the affected extremity helps prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis. This position helps stabilize the hip joint and reduces the risk of complications. Option B (Position the client in high Fowler's position) is incorrect as it does not directly address the postoperative care specific to a total hip arthroplasty. Option C (Encourage the client to cross their legs at the ankles) is incorrect because crossing legs can create pressure on the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation. Option D (Have the client bend forward at the waist while sitting) is incorrect as this could also increase the risk of hip dislocation.