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A nurse is monitoring a client following a lumbar laminectomy. The client has a drain and indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of a complication of the surgery?
- A. Red-tinged drainage on the dressing
- B. Cloudy urine in the catheter
- C. Clear drainage on the dressings
- D. Mild back pain at the surgical site
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clear drainage on the dressings. Clear drainage may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication following a lumbar laminectomy. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and its leakage can lead to infection and other complications. Red-tinged drainage (choice A) may be expected initially due to surgical trauma. Cloudy urine in the catheter (choice B) is more likely related to urinary tract infection. Mild back pain at the surgical site (choice D) is common after this surgery and does not necessarily indicate a complication.
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A nurse is assessing a client who takes salmeterol to treat moderate asthma. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?
- A. The client has decreased mucus production.
- B. The clients daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) measures 85% above personal best.
- C. The client has a respiratory rate of 24/min.
- D. The client reports no nighttime coughing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in the client's daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) by 85% above their personal best indicates improved lung function, which is a positive response to salmeterol. This demonstrates that the medication is effectively managing the asthma symptoms.
Choice A is incorrect because decreased mucus production is not a direct indicator of salmeterol's effectiveness in treating asthma. Choice C is incorrect as the respiratory rate alone does not provide specific information about the medication's effectiveness. Choice D is incorrect since the absence of nighttime coughing may be due to various factors and not solely because of salmeterol's effectiveness.
A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled for surgery and has a latex allergy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Use only powder-free latex gloves.
- B. Place monitoring cords and tubes in a stockinette.
- C. Avoid using iodine-based antiseptics.
- D. Administer prophylactic antihistamines.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place monitoring cords and tubes in a stockinette. This is important for the client with a latex allergy because stockinettes provide a barrier between the latex-containing materials and the client's skin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Using powder-free latex gloves (choice A) is a good practice, but it is not directly addressing the risk of exposure to latex for the client. Avoiding iodine-based antiseptics (choice C) is not necessary unless the client has a specific allergy to iodine. Administering prophylactic antihistamines (choice D) is not a standard practice for latex allergies and may not prevent an allergic reaction.
A nurse is planning preventative strategies for a client who is at risk for pressure injuries. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing.
- B. Massage bony prominences to improve circulation.
- C. Use cornstarch powder to keep skin dry.
- D. Position the client at a 90-degree angle in bed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing. Moisturizing helps maintain skin integrity and hydration, reducing the risk of pressure injuries. When skin is damp, it is more receptive to hydration, which can prevent dryness and breakdown. Applying moisturizer also helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier function. Massaging bony prominences (choice B) can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries by causing friction and shearing forces. Using cornstarch powder (choice C) can lead to moisture buildup and increase the risk of skin breakdown. Positioning the client at a 90-degree angle in bed (choice D) is not a recommended preventive strategy for pressure injuries.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for cephalexin oral suspension. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will keep the medication refrigerated.
- B. I will mix the medication with juice before taking it.
- C. I will stop taking the medication when I feel better.
- D. I will take the medication on an empty stomach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will keep the medication refrigerated." This is correct because cephalexin oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its potency and stability. Storing it at room temperature may lead to degradation of the medication. Choice B is incorrect as cephalexin should be taken as prescribed, not mixed with juice. Choice C is incorrect as the full course of antibiotics should be completed even if the client feels better. Choice D is incorrect as cephalexin can be taken with or without food.
A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple leg fractures and is 24 hr postoperative following placement of skeletal traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Inspect the pin sites at least every 8 hr.
- B. Apply direct pressure to pin sites.
- C. Remove traction weights for comfort.
- D. Encourage vigorous movement of the affected limb.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Inspect the pin sites at least every 8 hr.
Rationale:
1. Inspecting pin sites regularly is crucial to monitor for signs of infection or other complications.
2. Postoperative clients with skeletal traction are at high risk for pin site infections.
3. Regular inspection allows early detection and intervention to prevent complications.
4. Waiting longer than every 8 hours may lead to delayed identification of issues.
Summary:
B. Applying direct pressure is contraindicated as it can cause harm.
C. Removing traction weights without medical order can lead to complications.
D. Encouraging vigorous movement is inappropriate and can cause harm.