The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 1 after a mastectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Encourage arm exercises on the affected side.
- B. Administer pain medication as needed.
- C. Monitor the surgical drain for output.
- D. Check the incision for redness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Arm exercises prevent lymphedema and promote mobility post-mastectomy. Options B, C, and D are secondary.
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A six-year-old boy with a history of epilepsy admitted with uncontrolled seizures.
It is MOST important for the nurse to ask which of the following questions?
- A. What part of the body was affected by the seizure?'
- B. What is the family history of seizure disorders?'
- C. What was your son doing before the seizure?'
- D. How long has it been since his last episode of seizures?'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strategy: 'MOST important' indicates that this is a priority question. (1) not most important question (2) should be included in detailed history, but will not prevent an immediate reoccurrence (3) correct-seizure may result from triggering mechanism (loud noise, music, flickering light, prolonged reading, drugs) (4) should be included in detailed history, but will not prevent an immediate reoccurrence
The nurse is administering alendronate (Fosamax) to an adult. Which instruction is necessary to give the client?
- A. Take medication with milk and a snack.
- B. Take medication after each meal.
- C. Sit up for at least 30 minutes after taking medication.
- D. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation; sitting up for 30 minutes post-dose ensures proper passage and absorption, preventing reflux. Milk, meals, or lying down increase irritation risk.
A client comes to the emergency room with complaints of 'numbness, tingling, and coldness' of her left leg. She is able to walk. You note that the skin appears pale and is cool to the touch. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Ask if she had had a similar condition in her arms or the other leg
- B. Notify the physician immediately
- C. Obtain a detailed nursing health history
- D. Palpate and record the femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses in the affected leg
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Palpating pulses assesses for arterial occlusion, the priority to determine the cause of numbness and coldness, guiding urgent intervention.
When using restraints for an agitated/aggressive patient, which of the following statements should NOT influence the nurse’s actions during this intervention?
- A. The restraints/seclusion policies set forth by the institution.
- B. The patient’s competence.
- C. The patient’s voluntary/involuntary status.
- D. The patient’s nursing care plan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The need for restraints is based on the patient’s behavior and safety risks, not their voluntary or involuntary admission status. Institutional policies, patient competence, and the care plan guide restraint use to ensure safety and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic kidney disease who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately?
- A. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
- B. Weight gain of 1 kg since last dialysis
- C. Fistula site with a strong thrill
- D. Temperature of 100.8°F (38.2°C)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A temperature of 100.8°F suggests infection, a serious complication in hemodialysis patients due to their immunocompromised state and vascular access. Options A, B, and C are normal: BP is stable, 1 kg weight gain is expected fluid retention, and a strong thrill indicates a patent fistula.
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