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 caring for a client who has chronic venous insufficiency. Which of the following areas should the nurse assess for the presence of a venous ulcer?
- A. Tip of the toes
- B. Medial malleolus (ankle)
- C. Ball of the foot
- D. Heel of the foot
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medial malleolus (ankle). Venous ulcers commonly occur in areas where there is poor circulation, such as the lower legs. The medial malleolus is a common site for venous ulcers in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency due to pooling of blood in the lower extremities. Assessing this area is crucial for early detection and appropriate management. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as venous ulcers typically develop in areas with high venous pressure and poor circulation, such as the lower legs, not at the tip of the toes, ball of the foot, or heel.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for lactated Ringers by continuous IV infusion to replace output from an NG tube. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that this therapy is effective?
- A. Urine specific gravity 1.035
- B. Urine specific gravity 1.020
- C. Decreased skin turgor
- D. Dry mucous membranes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Urine specific gravity 1.020. This finding indicates that the kidneys are effectively concentrating urine, which means fluid balance is being maintained. A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range, suggesting adequate hydration. A high specific gravity like 1.035 (choice A) indicates dehydration. Decreased skin turgor (choice C) and dry mucous membranes (choice D) are signs of dehydration, not effectiveness of therapy.
A nurse is assessing a client who has an exacerbation of diverticular disease. In which of the following quadrants should the nurse anticipate the client to be experiencing abdominal pain?
- A. Right lower quadrant
- B. Left lower quadrant
- C. Upper left quadrant
- D. Mid-epigastric area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left lower quadrant. Diverticular disease commonly causes pain in the left lower quadrant due to inflammation or infection of the diverticula, small pouches that can develop in the colon wall. This area corresponds to the location of the descending and sigmoid colon, where most diverticula occur. Pain in the right lower quadrant (choice A) is more indicative of appendicitis. Upper left quadrant pain (choice C) is more likely related to conditions involving the spleen or stomach. Mid-epigastric pain (choice D) is typically associated with issues related to the stomach or pancreas.
A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has neutropenia and is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
- A. I will avoid crowds.
- B. I will wash my toothbrush weekly.
- C. I will take my temperature daily.
- D. I will eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Correct Answer: A, C
Rationale: The correct answers are A and C. Neutropenia and chemotherapy increase the risk of infection. Avoiding crowds (A) reduces exposure to infectious agents. Taking temperature daily (C) helps detect early signs of infection. Washing toothbrush weekly (B) is important but daily is recommended. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables (D) is beneficial but may pose infection risk.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is a manifestation of hyperglycemia?
- A. Sweating
- B. Increased thirst
- C. Shakiness
- D. Decreased urination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Increased thirst
Rationale: Hyperglycemia results in elevated blood glucose levels, which leads to osmotic diuresis and fluid loss, causing increased thirst. Sweating (A) is more commonly associated with hypoglycemia. Shakiness (C) is a symptom of hypoglycemia due to low blood sugar levels. Decreased urination (D) is not a typical manifestation of hyperglycemia as it is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or kidney issues.