The nurse is caring for a client six hours postoperative following a below-knee amputation (BKA). Which of the following assessment findings requires follow-up?
- A. Restlessness
- B. Blood pressure of 140/78 mmHg
- C. Pulse rate of 89 bpm
- D. Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Restlessness can be a sign of pain, anxiety, or hypoxia, all of which require follow-up in a postoperative client. The blood pressure and pulse rate are within normal limits, and hypoactive bowel sounds are expected shortly after surgery due to anesthesia and reduced gastrointestinal motility.
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The nurse is caring for a client six hours postoperative following a below-knee amputation (BKA). Which of the following assessment findings requires follow-up?
- A. Restlessness
- B. Blood pressure of 140/78 mmHg
- C. Pulse rate of 89 bpm
- D. Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Restlessness can be a sign of pain, anxiety, or hypoxia, all of which require follow-up in a postoperative client. The blood pressure and pulse rate are within normal limits, and hypoactive bowel sounds are expected shortly after surgery due to anesthesia and reduced gastrointestinal motility.
The nurse is caring for a client following a knee arthroscopy procedure. Which of the following assessments should be the priority?
- A. Wound and skin integrity
- B. Mobility assessment
- C. Skin and vascular assessment
- D. Circulation and sensation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Circulation and sensation are the priority post-arthroscopy to detect neurovascular compromise, such as nerve damage or impaired blood flow, which can be urgent. Wound, mobility, and skin are important but secondary.
The nurse reviews the client's clinical data. Which action should the nurse take based on the clinical data?
- A. Administer the prescribed ketorolac
- B. Remove the heating pad from the client's lower back
- C. Contact the physician to question the prescription of ketorolac
- D. Reposition the client to the side of the bed and have them twist from side to side
- E. Remove and discard the prescribed fentanyl patch because of its lack of efficacy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Removing the heating pad is appropriate, as heat can worsen inflammation or strain in low back pain. Ketorolac may be suitable, twisting risks harm, and fentanyl efficacy needs more data before removal.
The nurse is teaching a client scheduled for a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
- A. Do not eat or drink 6-8 hours prior to your test.'
- B. You will feel flushing as you receive the intravenous contrast.'
- C. The scan takes several hours to complete.'
- D. Please remove all metallic objects before this exam.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Removing metallic objects prevents interference with the DEXA scan, which measures bone density. Fasting and contrast are not required, and the scan typically takes 10-30 minutes.
A client sustained a right leg fracture after an industrial accident and reports tingling and severe pain inside the newly applied plaster cast. Upon inspection, the nurse noted that the exposed toes were cyanotic. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Apply heat packs on the leg
- B. Elevate the affected extremity
- C. Contact the physician immediately
- D. Instruct the client to move or wiggle their toes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tingling, severe pain, and cyanotic toes suggest compartment syndrome, a medical emergency. Contacting the physician immediately is critical for evaluation and possible intervention like cast removal or fasciotomy. Heat worsens swelling, elevation helps but is not enough, and toe movement doesn't address the urgency.
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