The HCP's progress note states that the infant with meningitis is in an opisthotonus position. What should the nurse observe when performing an assessment?
- A. Resistance with specific leg movement
- B. Knee or hip flexion with head flexion
- C. A high-pitched cry with neck flexion
- D. Hyperextension of the head and neck
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Opisthotonus is characterized by severe hyperextension of the head and neck, often seen in meningitis.
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To minimize the extent of the damage to the spinal cord in a teen with a possible SCI, which classification of medication should the nurse expect to administer?
- A. An antibiotic
- B. An analgesic
- C. A steroid medication
- D. An antihypertensive medication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Steroids, such as methylprednisolone, are used acutely in SCI to reduce inflammation and swelling.
The client is admitted to the hospital for a diagnostic workup. The client has vague symptoms of malaise, coughing, chest discomfort, low-grade fever, diffuse rashes, and musculoskeletal aches and pains. A diagnosis of probable lupus erythematosus has been made. The night nurse finds the client crying and saying, 'I would rather die than suffer with this disease for the rest of my life.' Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic at this time?
- A. Telling the client there are support groups to join after discharge
- B. Offering to stay with the client to discuss concerns and questions
- C. Advising the client to write concerns on paper to discuss with the doctors and nurses tomorrow
- D. Offering the client a back rub and a warm cup of milk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering to stay and discuss concerns is therapeutic, providing emotional support and addressing the client's fears.
The nurse assesses the client 6 hours following a lumbar spinal fusion. The client has a throbbing headache, but VS and CMS of the lower extremities are WNL. The lungs have fine basilar crackles. The back dressing has a dime-sized bloody spot surrounded by clear yellow drainage. Which nursing action demonstrates the nurse's best clinical judgment?
- A. Give prescribed morphine sulfate IV
- B. Have the client cough and deep breathe
- C. Reinforce the incisional dressing
- D. Notify the health care provider
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: D. A bloody area surrounded by clear yellowish fluid on the dressing and the client's headache suggest a CSF leak. The nurse should notify the HCP.
Which information is most appropriate to teach the client before the arthroscopy procedure?
- A. Signs and symptoms of arthritis
- B. Technique for using crutches
- C. Adverse effects of drug therapy
- D. The need to balance rest and exercise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Teaching crutch use prepares the client for post-arthroscopy mobility, as weight-bearing may be limited. Other topics are relevant but less immediately critical before the procedure.
The client with a lower leg amputation has edema, so the NA elevates the client's residual left limb on pillows. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse when observing that the client's leg has been elevated?
- A. Thank the nursing assistant (NA) for being so observant and intervening appropriately to treat the client's edema of the residual limb.
- B. Remove the pillows, raise the foot of the bed, and inform the NA that the limb should not be elevated on pillows because it could cause a flexion contracture.
- C. Inform the NA that this was the correct action at this time in the client's recovery, but once the client's incision heals, the leg should not be elevated.
- D. Report the incident to the surgeon and tell the NA to complete a variance report because the client's leg should not have been elevated.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B. The nurse should perform this action. Flexion, abduction, and external rotation of the residual lower limb are avoided to prevent hip contracture.
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