Nokea
A patient 3 hours post-op from a hysterectomy is complaining of intense pain at the incision site. When assessing the patient, the nurse notes a BP of 169/93, pulse 145 bpm, and regular. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Reassure the patient that pain is normal following surgery.
- B. Administer prn Nifedipine and assess the client's response.
- C. Administer prn Meperidine HCL and assess the client's response.
- D. Recheck BP and pulse rate every 20 minutes for the next hour.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to administer prn Meperidine HCL and assess the client's response. A BP of 169/93 and a pulse of 145 bpm indicate pain-related hypertension and sinus tachycardia, which are physiological responses to pain. Treating the cause of the increased pulse rate requires pain medication. Reassuring the patient about normal post-surgery pain is important, but addressing the physiological responses to pain is a priority. Administering Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is not indicated for pain management but for hypertension. Rechecking the BP and pulse rate without addressing the pain directly does not address the underlying issue causing the elevated vital signs.
You may also like to solve these questions
A mother brings her 13-month-old child with Down Syndrome to a pediatric clinic reporting muscle weakness and poor movement. The child's reflexes are noted to be diminished. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Contact the physician immediately
- B. Have the patient go for an X-ray for a c-spine work-up
- C. Start an IV on the patient
- D. Position the child's neck in a neutral position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a child with Down Syndrome presenting with muscle weakness and diminished reflexes, an atlanto-axial dislocation is a concern. The priority action is to position the child's neck in a neutral c-spine posture to prevent further injury. This should be done before any movement or manipulation. Contacting the physician should follow to ensure appropriate evaluation and management. Initiating an IV is not indicated unless specifically ordered for a medical reason. Ordering an X-ray for a c-spine work-up should not be the first action as it may involve movement that could exacerbate the condition if an injury is present.
Which system is primarily affected by tuberculosis (Mycobacterium)?
- A. stomach (GI)
- B. heart (cardiac)
- C. lungs (respiratory)
- D. skin (integumentary)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the respiratory system. This aerobic bacillus thrives in highly oxygenated body sites, such as the lungs, growing ends of bones, and the brain. The bacillus is airborne, making the lungs a common site for infection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as tuberculosis predominantly impacts the respiratory system and rarely involves the stomach, heart, or skin.
A nurse working in a surgical unit notices a patient experiencing SOB, calf pain, and warmth over the posterior calf. All of these symptoms may indicate which of the following medical conditions?
- A. Patient may have a DVT.
- B. Patient may be exhibiting signs of dermatitis.
- C. Patient may be in the late stages of CHF.
- D. Patient may be experiencing anxiety after surgery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is that the patient may have a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). SOB (Shortness of Breath), calf pain, and warmth over the posterior calf are classic signs and symptoms of DVT. DVT is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dermatitis does not typically present with these symptoms, late stages of CHF would manifest with other signs, and anxiety after surgery usually does not produce these specific symptoms.
A central venous pressure reading of 11cm/H(2)O of an IV of normal saline is determined by the nurse caring for the patient. The patient has a diagnosis of pericarditis. Which of the following is the most applicable?
- A. The patient has a condition of hypovolemia.
- B. Not enough fluid has been given to the patient.
- C. Pericarditis may cause pressures greater than 10cm/H(2)O with testing of CVP.
- D. The patient may have a condition of arteriosclerosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A central venous pressure reading above 10cm/H(2)O may indicate a condition of pericarditis, as the inflammation and fluid accumulation around the heart can lead to elevated pressures. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hypovolemia would typically result in lower CVP readings, not higher. Not enough fluid given would also lead to lower CVP levels. Arteriosclerosis is not directly related to CVP readings in the context of pericarditis.
What is one characteristic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
- A. The presence of circulating antibodies that neutralize HIV is evidence of exposure to HIV.
- B. HIV replication occurs intracellularly.
- C. HIV integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA.
- D. DNA replication is irrelevant to HIV.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. HIV integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA. The virus uses the enzyme reverse transcriptase to make a DNA copy of its RNA, which is then inserted into the genetic material of the infected cell. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of antibodies does not indicate immunity to HIV but rather exposure to the virus. Choice B is incorrect as HIV replication occurs intracellularly, inside the host cell. Choice D is irrelevant to the characteristics of HIV.