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The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 1 after a lumbar laminectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Encourage log-rolling when repositioning
- B. Administer pain medication as needed
- C. Keep the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
- D. Monitor the surgical drain for output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Log-rolling maintains spinal alignment, preventing complications post-laminectomy. Options B, C, and D are secondary: pain management is routine, 45-degree elevation is excessive, and drain monitoring is less urgent.
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The nurse is caring for a client who is ordered to be on bed rest for a prolonged period of time. What should be included in the nursing care plan to prevent venous stasis?
- A. Deep breathe and cough every two hours
- B. Range-of-motion exercises every shift
- C. Antiembolism stockings on legs
- D. Turn every two hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antiembolism stockings promote venous return, preventing stasis in bedridden clients. Breathing exercises, ROM, and turning address other complications but not venous stasis directly.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of type 1 diabetes who is receiving insulin lispro (Humalog) 8 units before meals. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse report immediately?
- A. Mild fatigue.
- B. Sweating and confusion.
- C. Occasional thirst.
- D. Mild headache.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sweating and confusion indicate hypoglycemia, a medical emergency with insulin lispro. Options A, C, and D are less urgent.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg PO daily. Which of the following laboratory results would be of GREATest concern to the nurse?
- A. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L.
- B. Sodium 140 mEq/L.
- C. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L.
- D. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium 3.0 mEq/L) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias in atrial fibrillation. Options B, C, and D are normal: sodium 140 mEq/L, magnesium 2.0 mEq/L, and calcium 9.0 mg/dL do not affect digoxin.
A client admitted with a severe head injury following an MVA is placed on a ventilator, and hyperventilation is maintained. The primary reason for maintaining hyperventilation is:
- A. To increase oxygen to the brain
- B. To dilate the cerebral blood volume
- C. To increase the cerebral blood volume
- D. To promote cerebral vasoconstriction and decrease cerebral blood flow
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperventilation reduces $\mathrm{CO}_2$, causing cerebral vasoconstriction, which decreases cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure in head injuries.
The physician prescribes lithium carbonate (Lithobid) 300 mg PO QID for a 47-year-old woman. The nurse in the outpatient clinic teaches the client about the medication. The nurse should encourage the client to make sure her diet has adequate
- A. sodium.
- B. protein.
- C. potassium.
- D. iron.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: alkali metal salt acts like sodium ions in body; excretion of lithium depends on normal sodium levels; sodium reduction causes marked lithium retention, leading to toxicity