A patient with osteoarthritis of the hip undergoes surgical intervention with a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Which postoperative complication should the healthcare team monitor for in the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Delayed wound healing
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Prosthetic joint infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Following total hip arthroplasty (THA), patients are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to factors such as immobility, surgery-related vascular damage, and hypercoagulability. DVT refers to the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the lower extremities. These clots can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, monitoring for signs and symptoms of DVT is crucial in the immediate postoperative period to promptly detect and prevent the development of complications such as PE. Common signs of DVT include leg swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. Additionally, healthcare providers may employ preventive measures such as early ambulation, compression stockings, and anticoagulant therapy to reduce the risk of DVT post-THA surgery.
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The type of epidemiologic study that is used to describe a group of persons enrolled in a study who share some characteristic of interest and who are followed over a period of time to observe some health outcome is a/an:
- A. Cross-sectional study
- B. Cohort study
- C. Experimental study
- D. Case control study
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cohort studies are types of epidemiological studies that involve a group of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience and are followed over time to observe the development of a particular health outcome. This type of study is useful in determining the incidence of a disease, identifying risk factors, and studying the natural history of a disease. Cohort studies allow researchers to investigate the relationship between exposure and outcome by following participants forward in time. It helps in establishing causality and is particularly useful for studying rare exposures or outcomes. In contrast, cross-sectional studies involve collecting data from a population at a single point in time, experimental studies involve interventions and control groups, and case-control studies involve comparing individuals with a particular health outcome (cases) to those without the outcome (controls) retrospectively.
A postpartum client presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and cyanosis. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Placing the client in a semi-Fowler's position
- B. Administering supplemental oxygen therapy
- C. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately
- D. Assisting with chest physiotherapy to improve ventilation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and cyanosis in a postpartum client could be indicative of a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is crucial to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and management. Prompt intervention is essential in this situation to prevent any potential complications and ensure the client receives appropriate care as soon as possible. Placing the client in a semi-Fowler's position or administering supplemental oxygen therapy may provide temporary relief, but the priority is to seek immediate medical attention. Consulting with the healthcare provider ensures that the client receives the necessary interventions promptly.
A patient with advanced heart failure expresses fear and anxiety about the progression of their illness. What is the palliative nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. Provide reassurance and minimize discussions about end-of-life care.
- B. Encourage the patient to focus on positive thoughts and avoid discussing fears.
- C. Offer empathetic listening and explore the patient's concerns about the future.
- D. Suggest distraction techniques to divert the patient's attention from their worries.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The palliative nurse's most appropriate response in this scenario is to offer empathetic listening and explore the patient's concerns about the future. By providing a compassionate and supportive environment for the patient to express their fears and anxieties, the nurse can help the patient feel heard and understood. This approach allows the nurse to address the patient's emotional needs and provide appropriate support to help them cope with their feelings. Avoiding discussions or minimizing the patient's concerns may invalidate their emotions and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Encouraging distraction techniques or focusing solely on positive thoughts may not address the underlying fears and anxieties that the patient is experiencing. Therefore, offering empathetic listening and exploring the patient's concerns is the most appropriate way for the nurse to provide holistic care for the patient with advanced heart failure.
As public health nurse Nurse erica makes sure all the supplies and medicines needed for the care of community are available. This is an example of the principle of
- A. Justice
- B. Respect
- C. Fair treatment
- D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The principle of beneficence emphasizes the duty to do good and act in the best interest of others. By ensuring that all necessary supplies and medicines are available for the care of the community, Nurse Erica is practicing beneficence. She is fulfilling her obligation to promote the health and well-being of the community members by providing them with the resources they need for their care. This demonstrates her commitment to doing good and acting in a way that benefits those under her care, which aligns with the principle of beneficence in nursing practice.
The NICU nurse prepares for the arrival of the newborn. Which of the following PRIORITY item should be placed at the newborn's bedside? A _____________.
- A. Specific gravity urinometer
- B. Rectal thermometer
- C. Blood pressure cuff
- D. Bottle of sterile normal saline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority item that should be placed at the newborn's bedside is a blood pressure cuff. Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure is crucial in the NICU, as it helps assess the baby's cardiovascular function and overall well-being. Blood pressure changes can be an early indication of potential health issues, so having a blood pressure cuff readily available allows for timely monitoring and intervention if necessary. The other items listed (specific gravity urinometer, rectal thermometer, bottle of sterile normal saline) are also important in neonatal care, but monitoring blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario.