Nokea
A patient is admitted and complains of gastric pain, fever, and diarrhea. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Abdominal distention
- B. A bruit near the epigastric area
- C. 3 episodes of vomiting in the last hour
- D. Blood pressure of 160/90
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A bruit near the epigastric area may indicate the presence of an aortic aneurysm, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Abdominal distention, while concerning, may not be as urgent as a potential aneurysm. Vomiting episodes may suggest underlying issues but do not present an immediate life-threatening situation. A blood pressure of 160/90, though elevated, does not pose the same level of immediate threat as a potential aortic aneurysm.
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The nurse is caring for a woman 2 hours after a vaginal delivery. Documentation indicates that the membranes were ruptured for 36 hours prior to delivery. What are the priority nursing diagnoses at this time?
- A. Altered tissue perfusion
- B. Risk for fluid volume deficit
- C. High risk for hemorrhage
- D. Risk for infection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Risk for infection.' When the membranes are ruptured for more than 24 hours prior to birth, there is a significantly increased risk of infection for both the mother and the newborn. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and uterine tenderness, is crucial. Option A, 'Altered tissue perfusion,' is not the priority in this scenario as infection risk takes precedence due to the prolonged rupture of membranes. Option B, 'Risk for fluid volume deficit,' is less of a priority compared to the immediate risk of infection. Option C, 'High risk for hemorrhage,' is not the priority concern at this time based on the information provided.
What is the primary nursing concern when caring for patients being treated with splints, casts, or traction?
- A. To assess for and prevent neurovascular complications or dysfunction
- B. To ensure adequate nutrition during the healing process
- C. To provide patient education for maintenance of splints, casts, or traction in the community
- D. To treat acute pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary nursing concern when caring for patients with splints, casts, or traction is to assess for and prevent neurovascular complications or dysfunction. This is crucial to ensure adequate circulation and nerve function, preventing long-term complications such as ischemia or nerve damage. While adequate nutrition and patient education are important aspects of care, they are not the primary concern in this scenario. Acute pain management is important but is secondary to preventing neurovascular complications in patients treated with splints, casts, or traction.
Parents of a 6-month-old breastfed baby ask the nurse about increasing the baby's diet. Which of the following should be added first?
- A. Cereal
- B. Eggs
- C. Meat
- D. Juice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cereal.' The guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing one new food at a time, starting with strained cereal. Cereal is often recommended as a first solid food for infants due to its soft texture and iron-fortified properties, which are important for the baby's development. Eggs and meat are common allergenic foods and are usually introduced later. Juice is not recommended for infants under 1 year old due to its high sugar content and lack of nutritional value compared to whole fruits.
A patient in the emergency room has a fractured left elbow and presents with an unequal radial pulse, swelling, and numbness in the left hand after waiting for 5 hours. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Place the patient in a supine position
- B. Ask the patient to rate his pain on a scale of 1 to 10.
- C. Wrap the fractured area with a snug dressing
- D. Start an IV in the other arm.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to start an IV in the other arm. In this scenario, the patient is showing signs of Acute Compartment Syndrome, a serious condition that occurs due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and potential tissue damage. Starting an IV is crucial as the patient may require emergency surgery, such as a fasciotomy, to relieve the pressure and prevent further complications. Placing the patient in a supine position, asking about pain levels, or wrapping the fractured area, though important, are not the priority interventions in this critical situation where immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent irreversible damage or loss of limb.
A 3-year-old had a hip spica cast applied 2 hours ago. In order to facilitate drying, the nurse should
- A. Expose the cast to air and turn the child frequently
- B. Use a heat lamp to reduce the drying time
- C. Handle the cast with the abductor bar
- D. Turn the child as little as possible
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After applying a hip spica cast, it is important to facilitate drying by exposing the cast to air and turning the child frequently. This helps promote even drying and prevents complications such as skin breakdown. Using a heat lamp can cause burns and is not recommended. Handling the cast with the abductor bar does not aid in drying the cast. Turning the child as little as possible is incorrect as regular turning is crucial to prevent complications.