Nokea
During the postoperative period, the client who underwent a pelvic exenteration reports pain in the calf area. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Ask the client to walk and observe the gait.
- B. Lightly massage the calf area to relieve the pain.
- C. Check the calf area for temperature, color, and size.
- D. Administer PRN morphine sulfate as prescribed for postoperative pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse monitors the postoperative client for complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, and wound infection. Pain in the calf area could indicate a deep vein thrombosis. Change in color, temperature, or size of the client's calf could also indicate this complication. Options 1 and 2 could result in an embolus if in fact the client had a deep vein thrombosis. Administering pain medication for this client is not the appropriate nursing action since further assessment needs to take place.
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A client states, 'I'm sure I have restless leg syndrome.' The nurse determines that the client is in need of further teaching on the condition when the client identifies the presence of which characteristics? Select all that apply.
- A. A heavy feeling in the legs
- B. Burning sensations in the limbs
- C. Symptom relief when lying down
- D. Decreased ability to move the legs
- E. Symptoms that are worse in the morning
- F. Feeling the need to move the limbs repeatedly
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Restless leg syndrome is characterized by leg paresthesia associated with an irresistible urge to move. The client complains of intense burning or 'crawling-type' sensations in the limbs and subsequently feels the need to move the limbs repeatedly to relieve the symptoms. The symptoms are worse in the evening and night when the client is still.
A client diagnosed with urolithiasis is being evaluated to determine the type of calculi that are present. The nurse should plan to keep which item available in the client's room to assist in this process?
- A. A urine strainer
- B. A calorie count sheet
- C. A vital signs graphic sheet
- D. An intake and output record
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The urine is strained until the stone is passed, obtained, and analyzed. Straining the urine will catch small stones that should be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Once the type of stone is determined, an individualized plan of care for prevention and treatment is developed. Options 2, 3, and 4 are unrelated to the question.
The nurse is caring for a child recovering from a tonsillectomy. Which fluid or food item should be offered to the child?
- A. Green Jell-O
- B. Cold soda pop
- C. Butterscotch pudding
- D. Cool cherry-flavored Kool-Aid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After tonsillectomy, clear, cool liquids should be administered. Citrus, carbonated, and extremely hot or cold liquids need to be avoided because they may irritate the throat. Milk and milk products (pudding) are avoided because they coat the throat and cause the child to clear the throat, thus increasing the risk of bleeding. Red liquids need to be avoided because they give the appearance of blood if the child vomits.
The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low suction. If the client's HCO3- is 30, which additional value is most likely to be noted in this client?
- A. pH 7.52
- B. pH 7.36
- C. pH 7.25
- D. pH 7.20
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Loss of gastric fluid via nasogastric suction or vomiting causes metabolic alkalosis because of the loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl), an acid secreted in the stomach. This occurs as HCO3 rises above normal. Thus, the loss of hydrogen ions in the HCl results in alkalosis. A pH above 7.45 would be noted.
The nurse is measuring the fundal height on a client who is 36 weeks' gestation when the client reports feeling lightheaded. What finding should the nurse expect to note when assessing the client?
- A. Fear
- B. Anemia
- C. A full bladder
- D. Compression of the vena cava
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Compression of the inferior vena cava and aorta by the uterus may cause supine hypotension syndrome (vena cava syndrome) late in pregnancy. Having the client turn onto her left side or elevating the left buttock during fundal height measurement will prevent the problem. Options 1, 2, and 3 are unrelated to this syndrome.