A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours.
- B. Encourage the client to remain on bed rest.
- C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity.
- D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply cold packs to the affected extremity. Cold packs help reduce swelling and pain by causing vasoconstriction. Massaging the affected extremity could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications. Encouraging bed rest may increase the risk of clot propagation, while frequent ambulation is contraindicated as it can dislodge clots.
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A client is postoperative following cataract surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Avoid lying flat for 24 hours after surgery.
- B. Avoid bending at the waist.
- C. Wear an eye patch at night for 1 week.
- D. Sleep on your affected side to reduce discomfort.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include for a client postoperative following cataract surgery is to avoid bending at the waist. Bending at the waist can increase intraocular pressure, which is not recommended after cataract surgery. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lying flat for 24 hours after surgery may not be necessary, wearing an eye patch at night for a week is not a standard postoperative instruction for cataract surgery, and sleeping on the affected side may not necessarily reduce discomfort and can increase pressure on the eye.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Dry mucous membranes
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperreflexia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to hypotension. Hyponatremia is associated with signs such as confusion and weakness, rather than increased appetite, dry mucous membranes, or hyperreflexia. Therefore, the nurse should expect hypotension as a finding in a client with a sodium level of 125 mEq/L.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Bowel sounds present in all four quadrants
- B. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- C. Scant urine output
- D. Serosanguineous wound drainage
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Serosanguineous wound drainage.' Serosanguineous drainage should be reported in postoperative clients as it may indicate complications such as infection or impaired wound healing. Options A, B, and C are expected findings in a postoperative client. Bowel sounds present in all four quadrants indicate normal gastrointestinal function, a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is within the normal range, and scant urine output may be expected initially due to factors like anesthesia and fluid shifts postoperatively.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Muscle weakness
- C. Hypertension
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscle weakness is a common finding in clients with hypokalemia, as potassium is essential for proper muscle function. Diarrhea (choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia. Hypertension (choice C) is not typically a direct result of low potassium levels. Bradycardia (choice D) is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is experiencing dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
- B. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position.
- C. Administer a bronchodilator.
- D. Administer oxygen at 6 L/min via face mask.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve breathing by expanding the lungs and aiding in better oxygenation. Encouraging the client to take deep breaths may not be effective in managing dyspnea in COPD as it can lead to fatigue. Administering a bronchodilator may be necessary but placing the client in a high-Fowler's position should be the priority. Administering oxygen at 6 L/min via face mask may also be needed, but positioning is the initial intervention to optimize respiratory function.