A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
- B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F).
- C. Urine output of 75 mL in the past 4 hours.
- D. WBC count of 15,000/mm³.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. An elevated WBC count can indicate a potential infection, especially in a postoperative client. This finding should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are common occurrences in postoperative clients and may not necessarily indicate a severe issue. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is a normal finding in the immediate postoperative period. A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) can be a mild fever, which is common postoperatively due to the body's response to tissue injury. Urine output of 75 mL in the past 4 hours may be within normal limits for a postoperative client, especially if they are still recovering from anesthesia.
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A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
- A. "You can take this medication with a full glass of water."
- B. "You should store this medication in the refrigerator."
- C. "Take one tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses."
- D. "You should avoid eating foods high in sodium while taking this medication."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is to take one nitroglycerin sublingual tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses. This dosing regimen is important to manage angina attacks effectively. Option A is incorrect because nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken with water. Option B is incorrect as nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature. Option D is incorrect because there is no specific instruction to avoid foods high in sodium while taking nitroglycerin sublingual tablets.
A client has had vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit?
- A. Jugular vein distention
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Bounding pulses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An increased respiratory rate is a sign of fluid volume deficit as the body attempts to compensate for decreased blood volume. Jugular vein distention, bradycardia, and bounding pulses are not typical findings of fluid volume deficit. Jugular vein distention is more commonly associated with fluid volume overload, bradycardia can be a sign of fluid volume excess or other issues, and bounding pulses are not typically seen in fluid volume deficit.
A client is being taught about patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which statement should be included in the teaching?
- A. The PCA will deliver a double dose of medication when you push the button twice.
- B. Continuous PCA infusion is designed to allow fluctuating plasma medication levels.
- C. You should push the button before physical activity to allow maximum pain control.
- D. You can adjust the amount of pain medication you receive by pushing on the keypad.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching about PCA is that the client can adjust the amount of pain medication they receive by pushing on the keypad. This empowers the client to control their pain management effectively. Choice A is incorrect because PCA systems are programmed to prevent double dosing when the button is pressed multiple times in quick succession. Choice B is incorrect as continuous PCA infusion aims to maintain a steady plasma medication level. Choice C is incorrect because it is not necessary to push the button before physical activity to ensure maximum pain control; the client should use the PCA as needed for pain relief.
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What recommendation should be included?
- A. Consume foods high in bran fiber.
- B. Increase intake of milk products.
- C. Sweeten foods with fructose corn syrup.
- D. Increase intake of foods high in gluten.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consume foods high in bran fiber. Bran fiber is recommended for clients with IBS as it promotes regularity and helps reduce symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing milk products may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals with IBS due to lactose intolerance. Sweetening foods with fructose corn syrup can worsen symptoms as it is a type of sugar that can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Increasing intake of foods high in gluten is not recommended for individuals with IBS, especially those with gluten sensitivity, as it may trigger or worsen symptoms.
A client has a new diagnosis of COPD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Breathe rapidly through your mouth when using the incentive spirometer.
- B. Use pursed-lip breathing during periods of dyspnea.
- C. Avoid drinking fluids during meals.
- D. Use diaphragmatic breathing during periods of dyspnea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial technique for clients with COPD as it helps control shortness of breath and improves oxygenation. This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, which helps keep airways open. Option A is incorrect as breathing rapidly through the mouth when using the incentive spirometer can lead to hyperventilation. Option C is incorrect because it is important for clients with COPD to stay hydrated by drinking fluids between meals, but not during meals which can cause bloating and discomfort. Option D is incorrect as diaphragmatic breathing, though beneficial, is not the preferred technique for managing dyspnea in COPD; pursed-lip breathing is more effective.
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