Nokea
During the immediate postoperative period following a total hip replacement, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the client to use a walker or cane when ambulating
- B. Keep the client's hip aligned with knees abducted
- C. Teach the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing
- D. Monitor urinary flow via an indwelling catheter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the client's hip aligned with the knees abducted is crucial to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis, which is a priority immediately after total hip replacement surgery. This position helps maintain the stability of the new hip joint. Encouraging the client to use a walker or cane (Choice A) is important but not as critical as ensuring proper hip alignment. Teaching the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing (Choice C) is a good practice but not as essential as maintaining hip alignment. Monitoring urinary flow via an indwelling catheter (Choice D) is not directly related to preventing complications immediately after a total hip replacement.
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The PN notes that a UAP is ambulating a male client who had a stroke and has right-sided weakness. The UAP is walking on the client's left side. Which action should the PN take?
- A. Instruct the UAP to walk on the client's affected side
- B. Take over the ambulation and provide guidance to the UAP immediately
- C. Provide the client with an assistive device, such as a cane or walker
- D. Tell the UAP to take the client back to his room
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the PN to take is to instruct the UAP to walk on the client's affected side. This is essential to provide the necessary support and prevent falls, especially when the client has weakness on one side due to a stroke. Walking on the affected side helps provide stability and assistance to the weaker side. Choice B is incorrect because it would be more appropriate for the PN to provide immediate guidance and correct the UAP's positioning rather than taking over the task completely. Choice C is incorrect because while assistive devices may be beneficial, the immediate concern is the UAP's positioning during ambulation, not providing the client with an assistive device. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication to return the client to his room unless it is necessary for his safety or well-being.
What is the primary reason for applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to a patient's legs postoperatively?
- A. To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. To promote wound healing
- C. To reduce postoperative pain
- D. To maintain body temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are used postoperatively to prevent DVT by promoting blood circulation in the legs. This helps reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins of the legs. Choice B, to promote wound healing, is incorrect as SCDs are primarily used for circulatory purposes rather than wound healing. Choice C, to reduce postoperative pain, is incorrect as the primary purpose of SCDs is not pain management but rather prevention of DVT. Choice D, to maintain body temperature, is incorrect as SCDs are not designed for regulating body temperature but for preventing circulatory issues.
Which is the most important safety measure when administering a medication through a patient's central venous catheter (CVC)?
- A. Using a sterile technique
- B. Ensuring correct placement of the CVC
- C. Flushing the CVC with saline after administration
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important safety measure when administering a medication through a patient's central venous catheter (CVC) is ensuring the correct placement of the CVC. This is crucial to prevent complications such as extravasation, infection, or improper drug delivery. While using a sterile technique, flushing the CVC with saline after administration, and monitoring for signs of infection are all important aspects of CVC care, ensuring the correct placement of the catheter takes precedence as it directly impacts patient safety during medication administration.
A client is recovering from a below-the-knee amputation (BKA). The client reports phantom limb pain. What should the nurse include in the client's care plan to manage this type of pain?
- A. Apply heat to the residual limb.
- B. Administer prescribed analgesics.
- C. Elevate the residual limb.
- D. Perform range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phantom limb pain is a type of pain that feels like it's coming from a body part that's no longer there. It is essential to understand that phantom limb pain is real and should be managed appropriately. Administering prescribed analgesics is the most effective way to address this discomfort. Applying heat, elevating the residual limb, and performing range-of-motion exercises are not effective in managing phantom limb pain since the pain originates from the brain expecting sensory input from the missing limb, rather than being related to physical factors that heat, elevation, or exercises can address.
A client presents to the office with complaints of swelling in the legs, chills, and shortness of breath. During auscultation of the chest, a heart murmur is heard. The client's blood culture reveals a microorganism in the blood. When a microorganism is found in the blood, this condition is called
- A. Bacteremia
- B. Sepsis
- C. Septicemia
- D. Parasitic infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a microorganism is found in the blood, this condition is called bacteremia, which refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, as indicated by a positive blood culture. If not appropriately treated, bacteremia can progress to septicemia, also known as sepsis. Sepsis is a severe and life-threatening response to an infection, characterized by systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Parasitic infections involve pathogens other than bacteria and are not directly related to the scenario described.