Nokea
A young child has been placed in a spica cast. The chief concern of the nurse during the first few hours is:
- A. Prevention of neurovascular complications
- B. Prevention of loss of muscle tone
- C. Immobilization of the affected limb
- D. Using heated fans to dry the cast
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Because the extremity may continue to swell and the cast could constrict circulation, the nurse should elevate the limb and observe for capillary refill, warmth, mobility of toes and circulation. Although muscle tone may diminish over time in the affected limb, this is not the immediate concern. The limb has been immobilized already by the cast, and therefore immobilization is not a concern. Heated fans and dryers are discouraged because the outside cast will dry quickly, yet the area beneath the cast remains wet and could cause burns.
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The nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure. Which discharge instruction is most important?
- A. Weigh yourself daily.'
- B. Limit exercise to 10 minutes daily.'
- C. Increase sodium intake.'
- D. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Daily weight monitoring detects fluid retention early in heart failure, allowing timely intervention. Exercise should be moderate, sodium restricted, and pain relievers used cautiously.
The nurse knows that children are more susceptible to respiratory tract infections owing to physiological differences. These childhood differences, adverts an adult, include:
- A. Fewer alveoli, slower respiratory rate
- B. Diaphragmatic breathing, larger volume of air
- C. Larger number of alveoli, diaphragmatic breathing
- D. Rounded shape of chest, smaller volume of air
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Although a child has fewer alveoli than an adult, the child's respiratory rate is faster. Although a child may use diaphragmatic breathing, the adult exchanges a larger volume of air. The adult has a larger number of alveoli than a child. The child's chest is rounded whereas the adult chest is more of an oval shape, and the child does exchange a smaller volume of air than an adult.
A 22-year-old client presents with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and a history of using drugs, writing numerous checks with insufficient funds, and stealing. He appears charming and intelligent, and the other clients are impressed and want to be liked by him. The greatest problem that may arise from this situation is that:
- A. He will manipulate the other clients for his own benefit
- B. He will cause the other clients to become psychotic
- C. He will become delusional and hallucinate as a result of the excess attention given to him by peers
- D. He may exhibit self-mutilative behavior
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This answer is correct. Persons with antisocial personality disorder typically are very manipulative. This answer is incorrect. The client's behavior cannot cause another person to become psychotic. This answer is incorrect. Psychosis is not a symptom of antisocial personality. One of the criteria for diagnosis of this disorder is that no psychosis be present. In addition, the client would love the attention. This answer is incorrect. Self-mutilative behavior is characteristic of the borderline personality disorder.
The nurse is observing the ambulation of a client recently fitted for crutches. Which observation requires nursing intervention?
- A. Two finger widths are noted between the axilla and the top of the crutch.
- B. The client bears weight on his hands when ambulating.
- C. The crutches and the client's feet move alternately.
- D. The client bears weight on his axilla when standing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bearing weight on the axilla can cause nerve damage (e.g., brachial plexus injury); crutches should support weight on the hands.
A 16-year-old client comes to the prenatal clinic for her monthly appointment. She has gained 14 lb from her 7th to 8th month; her face and hands indicate edema. She is diagnosed as having PIH and referred to the high-risk prenatal clinic. The client's weight increase is most likely due to:
- A. Overeating and subsequent obesity
- B. Obesity prior to conception
- C. Hypertension due to kidney lesions
- D. Fluid retention
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Overeating can lead to obesity, but not to edema. There is no indication of obesity prior to pregnancy. PIH is more prevalent in the underweight than in the obese in this age group. Hypertension can be due to kidney lesions, but it would have been apparent earlier in the pregnancy. The weight gain in PIH is due to the retention of sodium ions and fluid and is one of the three cardinal symptoms of PIH.