A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent venous thromboembolism?
- A. Encourage the client to perform circumduction of the foot.
- B. Keep the client's knees in a flexed position while they lie in bed.
- C. Massage the client's legs every 4 hours while they are awake.
- D. Limit the client's fluid intake to 2,000 mL daily.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Encourage the client to perform circumduction of the foot.
Rationale:
1. Circumduction of the foot promotes blood flow in the lower extremity, preventing stasis and reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism.
2. This action helps in maintaining muscle tone and preventing blood clots in the postoperative period.
3. Encouraging mobility also prevents complications like deep vein thrombosis.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B. Keeping the client's knees in a flexed position may restrict blood flow and increase the risk of thromboembolism.
C. Massaging the client's legs can dislodge blood clots and lead to embolism.
D. Limiting fluid intake can increase the risk of dehydration and thickening of blood, which can contribute to thrombus formation.
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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 36.3° C (90.9° 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. Capillary refill time of 6 seconds in the toe indicates poor circulation, which is a concerning finding post-surgery with an external fixator. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent complications like tissue ischemia. Choices B, C, and D do not require immediate intervention as they are within normal limits postoperatively. Blood in the drain is expected, the temperature is normal, and pain level 7 is manageable with appropriate pain management.
A nurse is preparing to administer fresh frozen plasma to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer the transfusion through a 25-gauge saline lock.
- B. Hold the transfusion if the client is actively bleeding.
- C. Administer the plasma immediately after thawing.
- D. Transfuse the plasma over 4 hr.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the plasma immediately after thawing. Fresh frozen plasma should be administered promptly after thawing to ensure optimal effectiveness and prevent clotting. Delaying administration can lead to decreased clotting factor activity. Choice A is incorrect as a larger gauge needle is typically used for plasma transfusions. Choice B is incorrect because fresh frozen plasma is often indicated for bleeding disorders, so holding the transfusion would be counterproductive. Choice D is incorrect as fresh frozen plasma is usually infused rapidly, not over 4 hours.
A nurse is assessing a client who received a purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test 48 hr ago and notes erythema with induration of 13 mm at the injection site. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?
- A. You will need to have the skin test annually.
- B. You will need to return in 48 hours for re-evaluation.
- C. Your test will need to be repeated at this time.
- D. You will need to follow up with your provider.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "You will need to follow up with your provider." The nurse should instruct the client to follow up with their provider because an induration of 13 mm at 48 hours post-PPD indicates a positive result for tuberculosis exposure. Follow-up is necessary to determine if treatment or further evaluation is needed. Choice A is incorrect because annual skin tests are not necessary unless there is ongoing exposure or risk factors. Choice B is incorrect as the client does not need to return in 48 hours for re-evaluation since the test has already been read at 48 hours. Choice C is incorrect as repeating the test is not necessary when a positive result is already present.
A nurse is planning to withdraw medication from an ampule to prepare for an injection. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Withdraw the medication from the ampule using a needleless system.
- B. Place a paper towel around the ampule's neck to break off the top with both hands.
- C. Dispose of the top of the ampule in a sharps container.
- D. Expel air into the ampule to aspirate air bubbles.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place a paper towel around the ampule's neck to break off the top with both hands. This method helps prevent injury as the paper towel provides grip and protection. Breaking the ampule's top with both hands reduces the risk of glass shards. Using a needleless system (A) is not necessary for breaking an ampule. Disposing the top in a sharps container (C) is important, but it is not the immediate action for withdrawing medication. Expelling air into the ampule (D) is unnecessary and may introduce air bubbles into the medication.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Administer antihypertensive medications.
- B. Maintain the client on NPO status.
- C. Place the client in a supine position.
- D. Monitor the client for hypercalcemia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain the client on NPO status. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas is inflamed, leading to digestive enzyme release and potential autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) helps rest the pancreas by reducing stimulation of enzyme secretion. This allows the pancreas to heal and decreases the risk of further complications. Administering antihypertensive medications (A) is not typically a priority for acute pancreatitis. Placing the client in a supine position (C) may not directly impact the pancreatitis. Monitoring for hypercalcemia (D) is important in chronic pancreatitis but not typically a primary intervention in the acute phase.
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