A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the femur. Which of the following assessments should be the nurse's priority?
- A. Neurovascular assessment
- B. Braden scale
- C. Pain assessment
- D. Morse Fall Risk scale
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neurovascular assessment. This is the priority because the client is postoperative following ORIF of the femur, which puts them at risk for impaired circulation and nerve damage. The nurse needs to assess for signs of compromised blood flow or nerve function, such as changes in sensation, color, temperature, or pulse in the affected limb. If left unaddressed, neurovascular complications can lead to serious consequences like compartment syndrome or permanent damage. The other options are not the priority in this situation: B (Braden scale) assesses risk for pressure ulcers, C (Pain assessment) is important but not the priority over neurovascular status, and D (Morse Fall Risk scale) assesses fall risk which is important but not the priority immediately post-ORIF.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate and is receiving continuous bladder irrigation. The client reports bladder spasms, and the nurse notes a scant amount of fluid in the urinary drainage bag, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to unseat every 2 hr
- B. Apply a cold compress to the suprapubic area
- C. Secure the urinary catheter to the upper left quadrant of the clients abdomen
- D. Use 0.9% sodium chloride to perform an intermittent bladder irrigation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use 0.9% sodium chloride to perform an intermittent bladder irrigation. In this scenario, the client is experiencing bladder spasms and a scant amount of fluid in the drainage bag, indicating a potential blockage or clot in the catheter. Performing an intermittent bladder irrigation with 0.9% sodium chloride can help to clear the catheter and improve urine flow. This intervention helps prevent further complications such as urinary retention or infection. Encouraging the client to unseat or applying a cold compress may not address the underlying issue of catheter blockage. Securing the catheter to the upper left quadrant does not directly address the current problem and may not improve urine flow.
A nurse working in the emergency department is caring for a client who has a burn injury. After securing the client's airway, which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer analgesic medication.
- B. Increase the room temperature.
- C. Cleanse the client's wounds.
- D. Start IV with a large-bore needle.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Start IV with a large-bore needle. This is the priority intervention because fluid resuscitation is crucial in managing burn injuries to prevent hypovolemic shock. Starting an IV line allows for prompt administration of fluids and medications. Administering analgesic medication (A) can wait until after fluid resuscitation. Increasing room temperature (B) is not a priority in burn management. Cleansing wounds (C) can be done after fluid resuscitation. Starting the IV line with a large-bore needle (D) takes precedence over other interventions to stabilize the client's condition.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Initiate airborne precautions
- B. Ensure the clients bed is positioned to greater than 45°
- C. Encourage frequent ambulation
- D. Ensure lights are dimmed in the clients room
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ensure lights are dimmed in the client's room. Dimming the lights can help decrease stimulation and minimize discomfort for a client with bacterial meningitis, as they may be sensitive to light due to photophobia, which is a common symptom in meningitis. It can also help reduce the risk of exacerbating headaches and other symptoms.
Incorrect choices:
A: Initiating airborne precautions is not necessary for bacterial meningitis, as it is not transmitted through the air.
B: Ensuring the client's bed is positioned to greater than 45° is not directly related to the care of a client with bacterial meningitis.
C: Encouraging frequent ambulation may not be appropriate for a client with bacterial meningitis, as they may be too weak or ill to ambulate.
E, F, G: There are no additional choices provided, but they would likely be incorrect as they are not relevant to the care of a client with bacterial meningitis.
A client who is deaf and communicates using sign language is being admitted by a nurse who does not know sign language. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask a family member to be present during the admission.
- B. Request an interpreter during the initial assessment.
- C. Familiarize themselves with commonly used sign language.
- D. Obtain a board that uses colored pictures as communication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Request an interpreter during the initial assessment. This is the most appropriate action as it ensures effective communication between the nurse and the client who uses sign language. It upholds the client's right to clear and accurate information regarding their care. Asking a family member (choice A) may not guarantee accurate communication and could breach confidentiality. Familiarizing oneself with sign language (choice C) takes time and may not be sufficient for complex medical discussions. Using a board with pictures (choice D) may not provide the client with the level of detail needed for comprehensive care. Overall, requesting an interpreter is the best choice for ensuring effective communication and respecting the client's rights.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports vaginal dryness and itching. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. These discomforts should decrease with time.
- B. You should avoid intercourse to prevent injury to your vagina.
- C. Women your age experience thickening of the vaginal tissue.
- D. Your symptoms are likely due to decreasing estrogen levels.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Your symptoms are likely due to decreasing estrogen levels. As women age, estrogen levels decrease leading to vaginal dryness and itching. This is a common symptom of menopause. By acknowledging the client's symptoms are likely due to decreasing estrogen levels, the nurse shows understanding and can provide appropriate education and treatment options. Choice A is incorrect as symptoms may persist without intervention. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the underlying cause. Choice C is incorrect as it is not a typical experience for women of that age.