The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensation and movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
Select the 2 findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago.
- B. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees.
- C. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
- D. Serous drainage noted around the pin sites.
- E. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes.
Correct Answer: G,E
Rationale: Serous drainage (G) and a slightly cool foot (E) require immediate follow-up due to potential infection or compromised circulation.
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The nurse is caring for a 6-hour-old newborn.
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
A newborn is brought to the emergency department due to coughing and difficulty feeding. The client was born at home 6 hours ago via spontaneous vaginal birth. With each attempt to breastfeed, the client coughs, vomits, and "turns blue." The mother did not receive prenatal care. She reports a history of opioid use disorder but reports no opioid use during pregnancy.
Vital signs: T 98.6 F (37 C), P 120, RR 50, and SpOz 95% on room air. Abdominal distension is present. Ballard scoring estimates the client at 37 weeks gestation. Weight and length are consistent with the 25th and 50th percentiles for estimated age, respectively.
Select 2 findings that require immediate feedback?
- A. A newborn is brought to the emergency department due to coughing and difficulty feeding.
- B. The client was born at home 6 hours ago via spontaneous vaginal birth.
- C. With each attempt to breastfeed, the client coughs, vomits, and 'turns blue.'
- D. She reports a history of opioid use disorder but reports no opioid use during pregnancy.
- E. Vital signs: T 98.6 F (37 C), P 120, RR 50, and SpO2 95% on room air.
- F. Ballard scoring estimates the client at 37 weeks gestation.
- G. Weight and length are consistent with the 25th and 50th percentiles for estimated age, respectively.
Correct Answer: C,E
Rationale: Coughing, vomiting, and cyanosis during feeding indicate potential airway or gastrointestinal issues, such as tracheoesophageal fistula. The elevated respiratory rate (RR 50) suggests respiratory distress, requiring immediate attention.
The nurse is caring for a client at a women’s health clinic.
History & Physical
Labor and delivery unit
0800:
A 28-year-old nulliparous female comes to the clinic for confirmation of suspected pregnancy due to amenorrhea and a positive home pregnancy test. The client's current exercise regimen includes indoor cycling and outdoor running. The client reports nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. She has a 28-day menstrual cycle, and her last menstrual period was March 10- 17. The health care provider notes a bluish-purple vaginal mucosa and cervix during pelvic examination and confirms a 12-week intrauterine pregnancy by sonography. A fetal heart rate of 155/min is detected with handheld Doppler.
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Progress Notes. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid carbohydrates as much as possible during pregnancy.
- B. Begin a sodium-restricted diet to prevent gestational hypertension.
- C. Consume nutrient-dense foods with each meal.
- D. Engage in moderate exercise such as walking or yoga for 30 minutes daily.
- E. Increase consumption of iron-rich foods such as meat.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Nutrient-dense foods, moderate exercise, and iron-rich foods are appropriate. Avoiding carbohydrates or sodium restriction is not recommended without specific indications.
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
History and Physical
Neurological
The client is alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation; the client reports sudden-onset right-sided facial drooping, speech is slurred; positive right-sided arm drift is seen
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Bilateral pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 16, SpO, 95% on room air, lung sounds are clear bilaterally
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 86, BP 166/90; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; no murmurs are noted; the client has a history of hypertension
Musculoskeletal
Right-sided lower extremity weakness is seen
Endocrine
The client has diabetes mellitus
Psychosocial
The client reports drinking one glass of wine each evening with dinner, no tobacco use, and a history of major depression; the client takes sertraline.
Laboratory Results
During Admission
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose: 72 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L)
Sodium: 133 mEq/L (133 mEq/L)
Chloride: 101 mEq/L (101 mmol/L)
Potassium: 3.7 mEq/L (3.7 mmol/L)
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose 74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L)
Sodium 136-145 mEq/L (136-145 mmol/L)
Chloride 98-106 mEq/L(98-106 mmol/L)
Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Diagnostic Results
Admission
CT scan of the head without contrast
1830:
No areas of hemorrhage are noted
Nurses’ notes
Intensive Care Unit
2100:
Tissue plasminogen activator infusion is complete.
2330:
The client suddenly has become combative and confused and is disoriented to person, place, and time. The client vomited once forcefully. Neurologic assessment shows confusion and right-sided weakness.
Vital signs: T 100 F (37.8 C), P 105, RR 18, BP 188/94, SpO2 96% on room air.
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes. Which of the following is the priority action?
- A. Administer PRN acetaminophen and observe
- B. Give PRN blood pressure medication and observe
- C. Prepare the client for repeat CT scan of the head
- D. Request a prescription for restraints
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's sudden change in mental status (combative, confused, disoriented) and vomiting after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion suggest a possible intracranial hemorrhage, a known complication of tPA. A repeat CT scan is the priority to assess for this life-threatening condition.
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
1800:
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. The client is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and is admitted for supervised detoxification.
Laboratory Results
Urine Drug Screen
On admission
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Positive
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Positive
Phencyclidine-Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Cocaine- Negative
Opioids- Negative
Amphetamines- Negative
Marijuana- Negative
Phencyclidine- Negative
Benzodiazepines- Negative
Barbiturates- Negative
The nurse is evaluating teaching for the client who is newly prescribed methadone for opioid use disorder. Which of the following client statements indicate that the teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
- A. I can take an additional tablet if my cravings are not managed with one tablet.
- B. I need to rise slowly to a standing position while taking this medication.
- C. I should not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. I should stop taking this medication if I notice adverse effects.
- E. I will contact the health care provider if I experience dizziness or heart palpitations.
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: B: Rising slowly prevents orthostatic hypotension, a methadone side effect. C: Avoiding alcohol reduces CNS depression risk. E: Reporting dizziness or palpitations ensures timely management of adverse effects. A is incorrect as extra doses require provider approval, and D is incorrect as stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal.
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensation and movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
For each potential prescription, click to specify if the prescription is expected or not expected for the care of the client.
- A. Restrict fluid intake
- B. Offer a low-fiber diet
- C. Use incentive spirometer
- D. Administer stool softener
- E. Administer anticoagulant
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Expected prescriptions include using an incentive spirometer (C) to prevent atelectasis, administering a stool softener (D) for constipation, and an anticoagulant (E) for DVT prevention. Fluid restriction (A) and low-fiber diet (B) are not indicated.
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