A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with an external fixator to the left tibia. Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. The client's capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.
- B. The client has 100 mL blood in the closed-suction drain.
- C. The client has an oral temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F).
- D. The client reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a capillary refill of 6 seconds in the left toe indicates poor circulation, which could lead to ischemia or necrosis in the extremity. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further complications.
Choice B is not as urgent as it involves monitoring and managing drainage, which can be addressed after the circulation concern is addressed.
Choice C, an elevated temperature, may indicate infection but is not as immediately life-threatening as poor circulation.
Choice D, pain at the operative site, is important but does not require immediate intervention as it can be managed with pain medication.
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A nurse is preparing to receive a client from surgery following a transverse colon resection with colostomy placement. The nurse should expect to assess the stoma at which of the following locations? (You will find hot spots to select in the artwork below. Select only the hot spot that corresponds to your answer.)
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct location to assess the stoma following a transverse colon resection with colostomy placement is at location B, which is in the left lower quadrant. This is because the transverse colon is typically located in the upper abdomen, and the stoma would be brought out at the most dependent portion of the colon, which is in the left lower quadrant. Assessing the stoma in this location allows the nurse to monitor for proper stoma function and potential complications.
Summary:
A: Incorrect - Location A is in the right upper quadrant, which is not the typical site for a stoma following a transverse colon resection.
C: Incorrect - Location C is in the left upper quadrant, which is also not the typical site for a stoma after this surgery.
D, E, F, G: Not applicable as they are not relevant to the question.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires protective isolation following a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to protect the client from infection?
- A. Make sure the client's room has positive pressure airflow.
- B. Make sure dietary plates and utensils are disposable.
- C. Wear an N95 respirator when providing direct client care.
- D. Monitor the client's temperature once every 6 hr.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Make sure the client's room has positive pressure airflow.
Rationale:
1. Positive pressure airflow prevents contaminated air from entering the room, reducing the risk of infections.
2. It helps maintain a clean environment by keeping airborne pathogens out.
3. Protects the client who has a compromised immune system post-transplant.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Disposable utensils are important but do not directly protect the client from airborne infections.
C: N95 respirators are for the healthcare provider's protection, not the client's.
D: Monitoring temperature is essential but does not directly prevent infections in a protective isolation setting.
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 is providing discharge teaching to a client who is recovering from a sickle cell crisis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Limit fluids to 1.5 L per day
- B. Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures
- C. Avoid getting a flu vaccination
- D. Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures. This instruction is important for a client recovering from a sickle cell crisis because extreme temperatures can trigger vaso-occlusive episodes. Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sticky, leading to blockages in blood vessels, which can be exacerbated by temperature extremes. Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures can help reduce the risk of complications.
A: Limiting fluids is not the priority in this situation. Adequate hydration is important to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.
C: Getting a flu vaccination is actually recommended for clients with sickle cell disease, as they are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
D: Limiting alcohol intake is generally advisable, but it is not the most crucial instruction for someone recovering from a sickle cell crisis.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a cervical spine injury and has a halo traction device in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Apply medicated powder under the vest to reduce itching
- B. Move the client up and down in bed by holding onto the halo traction device
- C. Ensure that there is space for one finger to fit between the vest and the client's skin
- D. Loosen or tighten the screws on the device as needed for the client's comfort
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ensure that there is space for one finger to fit between the vest and the client's skin. This is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers and skin breakdown. Tight fitting of the vest can lead to skin irritation and compromised circulation. A: Applying medicated powder can cause skin irritation and infection. B: Moving the client by holding onto the halo device can cause injury and dislodgement. D: Loosening or tightening screws without proper training can lead to complications.
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