The most common, preventable complication of abdominal surgery is
- A. atelectasis.
- B. fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
- C. thrombophlebitis.
- D. urinary retention.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Urinary retention is a common issue post-abdominal surgery due to anesthesia effects and immobility.
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Once generated, what may block the transmission of an action potential along a peripheral nerve fiber to the dorsal root of the spinal cord?
- A. The transmission may be interrupted by drugs such as local anesthetics.
- B. Nothing can stop the action potential along an intact nerve until it reaches the spinal cord.
- C. The action potential must cross several synapses, points at which the impulse may be blocked by drugs.
- D. The nerve fiber produces neurotransmitters that may activate nearby nerve fibers to transmit pain impulses.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Local anesthetics can block the transmission of action potentials along peripheral nerves.
What question should a nurse ask a client who has an anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter equal to the lateral chest diameter?
- A. Are you taking any medications or herbal supplements?
- B. Do you have any chronic breathing problems?
- C. How often do you perform aerobic exercise?
- D. What is your occupation and what are your hobbies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Do you have any chronic breathing problems? This question is relevant because equal AP and lateral chest diameters can indicate a barrel chest, which is often associated with chronic breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic breathing problems can lead to this specific chest shape due to increased lung volume. Choice A is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the physical assessment findings. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on exercise habits rather than the client's current health status. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the potential underlying health issue indicated by the chest measurements.
When interviewing a client recently diagnosed with lung cancer and having a 60-pack-year smoking history, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Educate the client about the importance of quitting smoking to halt cancer progression.
- B. Encourage the client to disclose both tobacco and marijuana use openly.
- C. Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude to promote honest communication with the client.
- D. Provide realistic information about cancer treatment and prognosis without giving false hope.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude promotes honest communication with the client. This is crucial in building trust and rapport, allowing the client to feel comfortable sharing important information about their health and lifestyle. It lays the foundation for effective care and support.
Choice A is not the most important action as quitting smoking, although important, may not be the immediate priority during the initial interview. Choice B, while valuable, is not as crucial as fostering an open and honest relationship with the client. Choice D, although important, may not be the primary focus during the initial meeting and may not promote the necessary trust between the client and nurse.
Lack of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates
- A. Excessive negative pressure (suction)
- B. A leak somewhere in the drainage system, as within the patient
- C. A kink or plug in the drainage tubing
- D. The patient’s lung has reexpanded
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reexpanded lungs stop air leakage into the drainage system.
Identify what short-term evaluation technique is appropriate to assess whether the patient has met the following learning goals.
- A. Demonstration
- B. Verbalization
- C. Selection
- D. Observation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Each learning goal requires a different evaluation technique: Demonstration for subcutaneous insulin injection, Verbalization for identifying side effects of Coumadin, Selection for choosing potassium-rich foods, Observation for verbalizing no shortness of breath, and Verbalization for stating readiness to change a dressing. The correct technique depends on the specific goal.