A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hr 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 feet.
- B. Keep the client's knees in a flexed position while they are in bed.
- C. Massage the client's legs every 4 hr while they are awake.
- D. Limit the client's fluid intake to 2
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Encourage the client to perform circumduction of the feet.
Rationale: Circumduction of the feet involves moving the feet in a circular motion, which helps promote blood circulation and prevent stasis in the lower extremities. This movement aids in preventing venous thromboembolism by reducing the risk of blood clots forming in the legs postoperatively. Encouraging this activity is crucial in maintaining vascular health and preventing complications.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Keeping the client's knees in a flexed position while in bed may lead to decreased circulation and increase the risk of venous stasis.
C: Massaging the client's legs every 4 hours can dislodge blood clots and increase the risk of embolism.
D: Limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which can increase the risk of clot formation due to thicker blood consistency.
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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.
A nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment on a client following a head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect if the client has impaired function of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII)?
- A. Loss of peripheral vision
- B. Inability to smell
- C. Deviation of the tongue from midline
- D. Disequilibrium with movement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Disequilibrium with movement. Cranial nerve VIII, the vestibulocochlear nerve, is responsible for both hearing and balance. Impaired function of this nerve can result in symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium with movement. This is because the vestibular branch of the nerve is crucial for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Choice A, loss of peripheral vision, is not related to cranial nerve VIII but rather to cranial nerve II, the optic nerve. Choice B, inability to smell, is associated with cranial nerve I, the olfactory nerve. Choice C, deviation of the tongue from midline, is a sign of dysfunction of cranial nerve XII, the hypoglossal nerve.
In summary, the correct answer is D because impaired function of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) would result in disequilibrium with movement, while the other choices are related to different cranial
A nurse is caring for a client who has cervical cancer and is receiving brachytherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Discard the radioactive device in the client's trash can.
- B. Limit time for visitors to 2 hr per day.
- C. Instruct visitors to remain 3 feet from the client.
- D. Keep soiled bed linens in the client's room.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Instruct visitors to remain 3 feet from the client. This is because brachytherapy involves the internal placement of radioactive sources close to the tumor. By instructing visitors to remain 3 feet away, the nurse helps minimize their exposure to radiation.
A: Discarding the radioactive device in the client's trash can is incorrect as it can pose a radiation hazard to others.
B: Limiting time for visitors to 2 hours per day does not directly address radiation exposure concerns.
D: Keeping soiled bed linens in the client's room does not address radiation safety for visitors.
In summary, option C is the best choice as it directly addresses radiation safety for visitors during brachytherapy treatment.
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Hyperalbuminemia
- B. Proteinuria
- C. Decreased serum lipid levels
- D. Decreased coagulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proteinuria. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased permeability of the glomerular filtration membrane, leading to the loss of protein in the urine, specifically albumin. Hyperalbuminemia (choice A) is incorrect as albumin is lost in the urine. Decreased serum lipid levels (choice C) are incorrect because nephrotic syndrome is associated with hyperlipidemia due to altered lipid metabolism. Decreased coagulation (choice D) is incorrect as nephrotic syndrome is actually associated with a hypercoagulable state due to loss of anticoagulant proteins in the urine.
A nurse is caring for a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a decrease in cardiac output?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Distended abdomen
- C. Confusion
- D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dyspnea. In left-sided heart failure, the heart is unable to pump efficiently, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion), indicating decreased cardiac output. Weight gain (A) and distended abdomen (B) are more indicative of right-sided heart failure. Confusion (C) can be a sign of decreased cerebral perfusion, but dyspnea is a more direct indicator of decreased cardiac output in left-sided heart failure.