Nokea
The nurse is assessing a client who had a left arm cast applied four hours ago. Which finding indicates that the client may have circulatory impairment?
- A. The client's nail beds blanch when the nurse applies pressure; color returns in two seconds.
- B. The client's fingers on the left hand are cold to the touch.
- C. The client complains of pain at the fracture site.
- D. The client is unable to move the fingers on the left hand.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cold fingers suggest impaired circulation in the casted arm, indicating potential compartment syndrome or vascular compromise, requiring immediate evaluation. Normal blanching, fracture pain, or immobility are less specific.
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The nurse is assisting with the removal of a client’s chest tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
- A. Ensure the client is given an analgesic 30-60 minutes before tube removal
- B. Instruct the client to breathe in, hold it, and bear down while the tube is being removed
- C. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
- D. Prepare a sterile airtight petroleum jelly gauze dressing
- E. Provide the health care provider with sterile suture removal equipment
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Analgesics reduce pain, Valsalva maneuver (bear down) prevents air entry, petroleum gauze seals the site, and suture equipment is needed. Trendelenburg is not indicated for chest tube removal.
An 85-year-old woman is hospitalized with a fractured hip. She complains to the LPN/LVN that she feels something is wrong and her chest hurts. The nurse notes the client has tachypnea. What should the nurse do immediately?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Take vital signs
- C. Elevate the head of the bed
- D. Give aspirin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chest pain and tachypnea suggest a possible pulmonary embolism post-hip fracture; taking vital signs provides critical data for immediate assessment.
An adult client who had a cervical laminectomy is returned to her room on the nursing care unit. The postanesthesia nurse reports that the client is awake and has stable vital signs. The nurse should position the client in which of the following positions?
- A. Supine
- B. Semi-reclining
- C. Side-lying
- D. Prone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Side-lying position promotes comfort and maintains spinal alignment post-cervical laminectomy, reducing strain on the surgical site. Supine or prone positions may increase pressure on the neck, and semi-reclining is less optimal for spinal stability.
The nurse is teaching a client about newly prescribed amlodipine. Which adverse effect would be most important for the nurse to include?
- A. Depression
- B. Dizziness
- C. Dry cough
- D. Erectile dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dizziness, due to amlodipine’s vasodilatory effect, is a common and critical side effect, risking falls, especially in the elderly. Depression, cough, and erectile dysfunction are less common or associated with other drugs.
A client with fibromyalgia refuses to take the prescribed drug duloxetine. When the nurse asks why, the client responds, 'Because I’m not depressed!' What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
- A. Depression is common with fibromyalgia, but a low dose of this drug can prevent it
- B. It can relieve your chronic pain and help you sleep better at night
- C. It helps to relieve the adverse effects of your other prescribed drugs
- D. You have the right to refuse. I will notify your health care provider (HCP)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Duloxetine treats fibromyalgia pain and improves sleep, addressing the client’s misconception without focusing on depression. Other responses are inaccurate or dismissive.