Nokea
An adult client who experienced a fractured left tibia has a long leg cast and is using crutches to ambulate. In caring for the client, the nurse assesses for which sign/symptom that indicates a complication associated with crutch walking?
- A. Left leg discomfort
- B. Weak biceps brachii
- C. Triceps muscle spasms
- D. Forearm muscle weakness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Forearm muscle weakness is a sign of radial nerve injury caused by crutch pressure on the axillae. When a client lacks upper body strength, especially in the flexor and extensor muscles of the arms, he or she frequently allows weight to rest on the axillae and on the crutch pads instead of using the arms for support while ambulating with crutches. Leg discomfort is expected as a result of the injury. Weak biceps brachii is not a complication of crutch walking. Triceps muscle spasms may occur as a result of increased muscle use but is not a complication of crutch walking.
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The nurse plans care for a client diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Which assessment findings does the nurse expect to find documented in the client's medical record? Select all that apply.
- A. Edema
- B. Anemia
- C. Polyuria
- D. Bradycardia
- E. Hypotension
- F. Osteoporosis
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: The manifestations of ESRD are the result of impaired kidney function. Two functions of the kidney are maintenance of water balance in the body and the secretion of erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Impairment of these functions results in edema and anemia. Kidney failure results in decreased urine production and increased blood pressure. Tachycardia is a result of increased fluid load on the heart. Osteoporosis is not a common finding with ESRD.
The nurse prepares the client for the removal of a nasogastric tube. During the tube removal, the nurse instructs the client to take which action?
- A. Inhale deeply.
- B. Exhale slowly.
- C. Hold in a deep breath.
- D. Pause between breaths.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Just before removing the tube, the client is asked to take a deep breath and hold it because breath-holding minimizes the risk of aspirating gastric contents spilled from the tube during removal. The maneuver partially occludes the airway during tube removal; afterward, the client exhales as soon as the tube is out and thus avoids drawing the gastric contents into the trachea.
The nurse is performing an assessment on a female client who is suspected of having mittelschmerz. Which subjective finding supports the possibility of this condition?
- A. Experiences pain during intercourse
- B. Has pain at the onset of menstruation
- C. Experiences profuse vaginal bleeding
- D. Has sharp pelvic pain during ovulation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mittelschmerz (middle pain) refers to pelvic pain that occurs midway between menstrual periods or at the time of ovulation. The pain is caused by a growth follicle within the ovary, or rupture of the follicle and subsequent spillage of follicular fluid and blood into the peritoneal space. The pain is fairly sharp and is felt on the right or left side of the pelvis. It generally lasts 1 to 3 days, and slight vaginal bleeding may accompany the discomfort.
A client is receiving desmopressin intranasally. Which assessment parameters should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Daily weight
- B. Temperature
- C. Apical heart rate
- D. Pupillary response
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Desmopressin is an analog of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone). It is used in the management of diabetes insipidus. The nurse monitors the client's fluid balance to determine the effectiveness of the medication. Fluid status can be evaluated by noting intake and urine output, daily weight, and the presence of edema. The measurements in options 2, 3, and 4 are not related to this medication.
After undergoing a thyroidectomy, a client is monitored for signs of damage to the parathyroid glands postoperatively. The nurse would determine which finding suggests damage to the parathyroid glands?
- A. Fever
- B. Neck pain
- C. Hoarseness
- D. Tingling around the mouth
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The parathyroid glands can be damaged or their blood supply impaired during thyroid surgery. Hypocalcemia and tetany result when parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels decrease. The nurse monitors for complaints of tingling around the mouth or of the toes or fingers and muscular twitching because these are signs of calcium deficiency. Additional later signs of hypocalcemia are positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs. Fever may be expected in the immediate postoperative period but is not an indication of damage to the parathyroid glands. However, if a fever persists the primary health care provider is notified. Neck pain and hoarseness are expected findings postoperatively.