Nokea
The nurse, caring for a client with Buck's traction, is monitoring the client for complications of the traction. Which assessment finding indicates a complication of this form of traction?
- A. Weak pedal pulses
- B. Drainage at the pin sites
- C. Complaints of leg discomfort
- D. Toes demonstrating a brisk capillary refill
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Buck's traction is skin traction. Weak pedal pulses are a sign of vascular compromise, which can be caused by pressure on the tissues of the leg by the elastic bandage or prefabricated boot used to secure this type of traction. Skeletal (not skin) traction uses pins. Discomfort is expected. Warm toes with brisk capillary refill is a normal finding.
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A client has just been admitted to the emergency department with chest pain. Serum cardiac enzyme levels are drawn, and the results indicate an elevated serum creatine kinase (CK)-MB isoenzyme, troponin T, and troponin I. The nurse concludes that these results are compatible with what diagnosis?
- A. Stable angina
- B. Unstable angina
- C. Prinzmetal's angina
- D. New-onset myocardial infarction (MI)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Creatine kinase (CK)-MB isoenzyme is a sensitive indicator of myocardial damage. Levels begin to rise 3 to 6 hours after the onset of chest pain, peak at approximately 24 hours, and return to normal in about 3 days. Troponin is a regulatory protein found in striated muscle (skeletal and myocardial). Increased amounts of troponins are released into the bloodstream when an infarction causes damage to the myocardium. Troponin I is particularly sensitive to myocardial muscle injury; therefore, the client's results are compatible with new-onset MI. Options 1, 2, and 3 all refer to angina. These levels would not be elevated in angina.
The nurse is assessing the casted extremity of a client for signs of infection. Which finding is indicative of the presence of an infection?
- A. Dependent edema
- B. Diminished distal pulse
- C. Coolness and pallor of the skin
- D. Presence of warm areas on the cast
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Manifestations of infection under a casted area include a musty odor or purulent drainage from the cast or the presence of areas on the cast that are warmer than others. The primary health care provider should be notified if any of these occur. Dependent edema, diminished arterial pulse, and coolness and pallor of the skin all signify impaired circulation in the distal extremity.
The nurse notes that a large number of clients reporting the presence of flulike symptoms are being seen in the clinic. Which recommendations should the nurse provide to these clients to minimize their risk for further illness? Select all that apply.
- A. Get plenty of rest.
- B. Increase intake of liquids.
- C. Get a flu shot immediately.
- D. Take antipyretics for fever.
- E. Consume a well-balanced diet.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Treatment for the flu includes getting rest, drinking fluids, and taking in nutritious foods and beverages. Medications such as antipyretics and analgesics may also be used for symptom management. Immunizations against influenza are a prophylactic measure and are not used to treat flu symptoms.
The nurse is caring for a client who was recently admitted with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. When the nurse enters the room, the client is engaged in rigorous push-ups. Which nursing action should the nurse implement?
- A. Allowing the client to complete the exercise program
- B. Interrupting the client and weigh the client immediately
- C. Interrupting the client and offer to take the client for a walk
- D. Telling the client that he or she is not allowed to exercise rigorously
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with anorexia nervosa are frequently preoccupied with rigorous exercise and push themselves beyond normal limits to work off caloric intake. The nurse must provide for appropriate exercise, as well as place limits on rigorous activities. Allowing the client to complete the exercise program could be harmful. Weighing the client reinforces the altered self-concept that the client experiences and the client's need to control weight. Telling the client that he or she is not allowed to exercise rigorously will increase his or her anxiety.
A client has an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in place in the right upper extremity for hemodialysis treatments. When planning care for this client, which measure should the nurse implement to promote client safety?
- A. Use the right arm blood pressure measurement.
- B. Use the fistula for all venipunctures and intravenous infusions.
- C. Ensure that small clamps are attached to the AV fistula dressing.
- D. Assess the fistula for the presence of a bruit and thrill every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: AV fistulas are created by anastomosis of an artery and a vein within the subcutaneous tissues to create access for hemodialysis. Fistulas should be evaluated for presence of thrills (palpate over the area) and bruits (auscultate with a stethoscope) as an assessment of patency. Blood pressures or venipunctures are not done on the extremity with the fistula because of the risk of clotting, infection, or damage to the fistula. The fistula is not used for venipunctures or intravenous infusions for the same reason. Clamps may be needed for an external device such as an AV shunt, but the AV fistula is internal.