Nokea
A patient has developed a paralytic ileus following recent abdominal surgery. What is the most important nursing action when caring for this patient?
- A. Monitor bowel sounds every hour
- B. Maintain the patient on strict bed rest
- C. Ensure the nasogastric tube is functioning
- D. Ensure that the patient is given a clear liquid diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ensuring that the nasogastric tube is functioning is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a paralytic ileus. A paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a temporary paralysis of the intestine, leading to a lack of bowel motility. This can result in a buildup of gas and fluids in the intestines, causing abdominal distension, pain, and potential complications.
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A nurse is working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The nurse wants to teach a mother of a premature baby how to give her baby a bath. Which statement by the mother reflects a readiness to learn?
- A. "You'll give us written instructions before we go home, correct?"
- B. "When my baby is just a little bigger, I'll feel more comfortable giving him a bath."
- C. "I want to make sure my husband is here, in case I don't hear everything that's said."
- D. "I'm so afraid I'll hurt my baby with all these tubes and wires."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement "You'll give us written instructions before we go home, correct?" reflects the mother's readiness to learn. This statement shows that the mother is actively seeking out resources and tools to help her understand and remember the instructions for giving her premature baby a bath. It indicates that she is willing to take responsibility for her baby's care and is thinking ahead to ensure she has the necessary information for when she is on her own at home. This statement demonstrates engagement and a proactive approach to learning, which are essential for successfully caring for a premature baby in a NICU setting.
A client diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving intravenous heparin. Which is the priority outcome for this client?
- A. The client will not disturb the intravenous infusion.
- B. The client will comply with dietary restrictions.
- C. The client will not experience bleeding.
- D. The client will keep the right leg elevated on two pillows.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority outcome for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) receiving intravenous heparin is to prevent bleeding. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent the formation of blood clots, but one of its potential side effects is bleeding due to its ability to prevent blood clotting. It is crucial to closely monitor the client for signs of bleeding while on heparin therapy, such as easy bruising, black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, or excessive bleeding from wounds. Preventing bleeding is essential to avoid complications associated with anticoagulant therapy.
A client with primary hypertension is prescribed terazosin (Hytrin) to treat this condition. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?
- A. Prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
- B. Prevents beta-receptor stimulation in the heart
- C. Inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the cell membrane of vascular tissue and cardiac cells
- D. Blocks alpha-receptors in the vascular smooth muscle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Terazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. By blocking alpha-1 receptors in the vascular smooth muscle, terazosin causes dilation of both arteries and veins, leading to reduced peripheral vascular resistance and decreased blood pressure. This dilation effect is achieved by preventing the binding of norepinephrine to alpha-1 receptors, thereby inhibiting vasoconstriction. Terazosin is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension to help lower blood pressure by reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to organs and tissues.
What causes brown pigmentation of the lower extremities in clients with venous stasis?
- A. The necrosis of subcutaneous fat due to tissue hypoxia
- B. Breakdown of red blood cells in the congested tissues
- C. Reduced inflammatory and immune response from congested circulation
- D. Skin atrophy caused by lack of circulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The brown pigmentation of the lower extremities in clients with venous stasis is primarily caused by the breakdown of red blood cells in the congested tissues. When there is venous stasis, the blood circulation is impaired, leading to a backup of blood in the lower extremities. This stagnant blood contains hemosiderin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Over time, the hemosiderin deposits in the tissues, causing the characteristic brown discoloration seen in conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency. This process is known as hemosiderin deposition and is a common consequence of venous stasis.
The nurse is caring for an adult client who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect as a child, which was later repaired with surgery. Which common complication of a heart defect should the nurse monitor that the client may still be at risk for?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Atherosclerosis
- D. Shock
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Endocarditis is a common complication that individuals with repaired congenital heart defects may still be at risk for. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The altered structure of the heart tissue from the previous defect and surgery can create an increased risk for bacterial growth and infection. Patients with a history of congenital heart defects should be monitored for signs and symptoms of endocarditis, such as fever, fatigue, new heart murmurs, and evidence of systemic embolization. Prophylactic antibiotics before certain dental and surgical procedures may be recommended to prevent endocarditis in this population. Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant in monitoring for any symptoms suggestive of endocarditis in this client.