An adult client with a broken femur is transferred to the medical-surgical unit to await surgical internal fixation after the application of an external traction device to stabilize the leg. An hour after an opioid analgesic was administered, the client reports muscle spasms and pain at the fracture site. While waiting for the client to be transported to surgery, which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Observe for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
- B. Administer a PRN dose of a muscle relaxant.
- C. Check the client's most recent electrolyte values.
- D. Reduce the weight on the traction device.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer a PRN dose of a muscle relaxant. Muscle spasms and pain might be relieved by muscle relaxants, which are appropriate before surgery. Choice A is incorrect because the client is experiencing muscle spasms, not signs of deep vein thrombosis. Choice C is not the most immediate action needed in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because reducing the weight on the traction device would not directly address the muscle spasms and pain reported by the client.
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During discharge teaching, the nurse discusses the parameters for weight monitoring with a client recently diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Which information is most important for the client to acknowledge?
- A. Weigh at the same time every day
- B. Report weight gain of 2 pounds (0.9kg) in 24 hours
- C. Maintain a daily weight record
- D. Limit dietary salt intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Reporting a weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours is crucial for detecting fluid retention or worsening heart failure. This rapid weight gain indicates possible fluid overload, which can be a sign of worsening HF. Option A is not as critical as the timing of weighing can vary. Option C is important for tracking trends but does not emphasize the significance of a sudden weight gain. Option D is relevant for managing HF but does not address the immediate need for reporting rapid weight gain.
The nurse has explained safety precautions and infant care to a primigravida mother and observes the mother as she gives care to her newborn during the first two days of rooming-in. Which action indicates the mother understands the instruction?
- A. Aspirates the newborn's nares using a syringe
- B. Applies a dressing to the cord after the newborn's bath
- C. Breastfeeds the infant every hour during the night
- D. Positions the infant supine in the crib to sleep
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Positioning the infant supine in the crib to sleep is the correct action that indicates the mother understands the instruction. This position is recommended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Choice A is incorrect as it is not a routine or recommended practice to aspirate the newborn's nares using a syringe without a specific medical indication. Choice B is incorrect because applying a dressing to the cord after the newborn's bath is not a standard care practice. Choice C is incorrect because breastfeeding every hour during the night is excessive and not a recommended feeding schedule for a newborn.
While teaching a young male adult to use an inhaler for his newly diagnosed asthma, the client stares into the distance and appears to be concentrating on something other than the lesson the nurse is presenting. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Remind the client of the importance of using a rescue inhaler for asthma management
- B. Leave the client alone to process his thoughts about the inhaler
- C. Ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment
- D. Pause and inquire if the client has any questions or needs clarification
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment. By doing so, the nurse can understand the client's concerns or distractions, which can then be addressed effectively during the teaching session. Option A is incorrect as it assumes the client is not paying attention due to forgetfulness about the importance of the inhaler, which may not be the case. Option B is incorrect because leaving the client alone without addressing the issue does not facilitate effective learning. Option D, although closer, does not directly address the client's distraction and may not uncover the underlying issue causing the lack of focus.
The nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. Which action should the nurse perform when suctioning the tracheostomy tube?
- A. Increase wall suction while removing the suction catheter
- B. Instill 10 ml of sterile saline into the tracheostomy tube before applying continuous suction
- C. Suction the client's oropharynx after tracheal suctioning
- D. Insert the suction catheter into the trachea, and apply intermittent suction with removal of the catheter
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When suctioning a tracheostomy tube, it is essential to insert the suction catheter into the trachea and apply intermittent suction with removal of the catheter. This technique helps prevent damage to the trachea and reduces discomfort for the client. Choice A is incorrect because increasing wall suction with the removal of the suction catheter can cause trauma to the tracheal mucosa. Choice B is incorrect because instilling saline into the tracheostomy tube before suctioning is not recommended as it can lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect as oropharyngeal suctioning should be done before tracheal suctioning to prevent the risk of aspiration.
The nurse is assessing an infant with pyloric stenosis. Which pathophysiological mechanism is the most likely consequence of this infant's clinical picture?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis
- D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pyloric stenosis often leads to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric acid from vomiting. Metabolic acidosis would not be expected in pyloric stenosis as there is no excessive acid accumulation. Respiratory alkalosis and respiratory acidosis are not typically associated with pyloric stenosis, making them incorrect choices.