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A patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage deep breathing exercises.
- B. Assist the patient in ambulating a short distance.
- C. Call for assistance with ambulation.
- D. Assess the patient's pain level before ambulation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery is to call for assistance with ambulation. This is essential to ensure the safety of the patient and prevent any potential falls or injuries. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) may be beneficial but should not be the first priority when the patient is having difficulty walking. Assisting the patient in ambulating a short distance (Choice B) may put both the patient and the nurse at risk if the patient is struggling. Assessing the patient's pain level before ambulation (Choice D) is important but should come after ensuring that the patient can safely ambulate with assistance.
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A nurse provides instructions to a client about preventing injury while using crutches. What should the nurse tell the client to avoid?
- A. An abnormal stance
- B. Injury to the nerves
- C. A fall and further injury
- D. Skin breakdown
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Injury to the nerves. Resting the underside of the arm on the crutch pad can injure the nerves. Choice A, an abnormal stance, is not directly related to nerve injury while using crutches. Choice C, a fall and further injury, is a general risk associated with improper crutch use but does not specifically address nerve injury. Choice D, skin breakdown, is a concern related to pressure ulcers but not the primary focus when discussing injury prevention related to crutch use.
A patient with a urinary catheter reports discomfort. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Ensure the catheter tubing is not kinked.
- B. Irrigate the catheter to relieve the discomfort.
- C. Change the catheter to a smaller size.
- D. Remove the catheter and replace it with a new one.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the catheter tubing is not kinked. This is the priority action because a kinked tubing can obstruct urine flow, leading to discomfort and potential complications. It is essential to troubleshoot the current catheter first before considering other interventions. Irrigating the catheter (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue of kinking. Changing the catheter to a smaller size (Choice C) or removing and replacing it with a new one (Choice D) should only be considered if ensuring the tubing is unkinked does not resolve the discomfort.
Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?
- A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
- B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
- C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
- D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Crush all medications and administer them all at once.
- B. Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.
- C. Administer only liquid forms of medications.
- D. Skip flushing the tube entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.' Flushing the NG tube is essential to ensure that the medication passes through smoothly without any obstruction. It helps prevent clogging of the tube and ensures that the full dose of the medication reaches the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because crushing all medications at once, administering only liquid forms of medications, and skipping tube flushing entirely can lead to complications such as tube blockages, incomplete medication administration, and potential harm to the client.
A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?
- A. Increase the dosage of pain medication.
- B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
- C. Wait for the healthcare provider to address the issue.
- D. Reposition the client to alleviate the pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.