Nokea
An adolescent is admitted to the orthopedic nursing unit after spinal rod insertion for the treatment of scoliosis. Which assessments are most important in the immediate postoperative period when considering the client's neurovascular status? Select all that apply.
- A. Pain level
- B. Urinary output
- C. Ability to move all extremities
- D. Capillary refill in all extremities
- E. Ability to flex and extend the feet
- F. Ability to detect sensations in all extremities
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: When the spinal column is manipulated during surgery, altered neurovascular status is a possible complication; therefore, neurovascular checks, including circulation, sensation, and motion, should be done at least every 2 hours. Level of pain and urinary output are important postoperative assessments, but neurovascular status is more important.
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As part of cardiac assessment, to palpate the apical pulse, the nurse places the fingertips at which location?
- A. At the left midclavicular line at the fifth intercostal space
- B. At the left midclavicular line at the third intercostal space
- C. To the right of the left midclavicular line at the fifth intercostal space
- D. To the right of the left midclavicular line at the third intercostal space
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The point of maximal impulse (PMI), where the apical pulse is palpated, is normally located in the fourth or fifth intercostal space, at the left midclavicular line. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not descriptions of the location for palpation of the apical pulse.
The nurse assesses a peripheral intravenous (IV) dressing and notes that it is damp and the tape is loose. What action should the nurse take initially?
- A. Stop the infusion immediately.
- B. Apply a sterile, occlusive dressing.
- C. Ensure all IV tubing connections are tight.
- D. Gather the supplies needed to insert a new IV.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To determine subsequent nursing interventions, the nurse checks all connections to ensure tight seals while the IV infuses to help locate the source of the leak. If the leak is at the insertion site, the nurse stops the infusion, removes the IV, and inserts a new IV catheter. The nurse applies a new sterile occlusive dressing after resolving the source of the leak.
The nurse is preparing to initiate an intravenous nitroglycerin drip on a client who has experienced an acute myocardial infarction. In the absence of an invasive (arterial) monitoring line, the nurse prepares to have which piece of equipment for use at the bedside to help assure the client's safety?
- A. Defibrillator
- B. Pulse oximeter
- C. Central venous pressure (CVP) tray
- D. Noninvasive blood pressure monitor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nitroglycerin dilates arteries and veins (vasodilator), causing peripheral blood pooling, thus reducing preload, afterload, and myocardial workload. This action accounts for the primary side effect of nitroglycerin, which is hypotension. In the absence of an arterial monitoring line, the nurse should have a noninvasive blood pressure monitor for use at the bedside.
A client is admitted after attempting suicide by ingesting a prescribed antipsychotic medication. What is the most important piece of information the nurse should obtain initially?
- A. Where and when the medication was ingested
- B. The name and amount of ingested medication
- C. If the client continues to have suicidal ideations
- D. If there is a history of previous suicidal attempts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In an emergency, lifesaving facts are obtained first. The name of and the amount of medication ingested is of utmost importance in treating this potentially life-threatening situation. The remaining data can be assessed once the client's physical condition is stabilized.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is prescribed for a client with a suspected brain tumor. Which prescription should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed for the client before the procedure?
- A. An opioid
- B. A sedative
- C. A corticosteroid
- D. An antihistamine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An MRI scan is a noninvasive diagnostic test that visualizes the body's tissues, structure, and blood flow. For an MRI, the client is positioned on a padded table and moved into a cylinder-shaped scanner. Relaxation techniques, an eye mask, and sedation are used before the procedure to reduce claustrophobic effects; however, because the client must remain very still during the scan, the nurse avoids oversedating the client to ensure client cooperation. There is no useful purpose for administering an opioid, corticosteroid, or antihistamine.