The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy to remove a pituitary adenoma. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Encourage frequent coughing to prevent pneumonia
- B. Inspect the mouth and perform mouth care every 4 hours
- C. Maintain the head of the bed in a flat position
- D. Perform frequent neurologic checks
- E. Remind the client to avoid using a toothbrush for 10 days
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Mouth care prevents infection, neurologic checks monitor for complications (e.g., CSF leak), and avoiding toothbrushing prevents suture disruption. Coughing risks increasing intracranial pressure, and the head of the bed should be elevated to reduce pressure.
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A client is 2 days post operative. The vital signs are: BP - 120/70, HR - 110 BPM, RR - 26, and Temperature - 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The client suddenly becomes profoundly short of breath, skin color is gray. Which assessment would have alerted the nurse first to the client's change in condition?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Respiratory rate
- C. Blood pressure
- D. Temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tachypnea is one of the first clues that the client is not oxygenating appropriately. The compensatory mechanism for decreased oxygenation is increased respiratory rate.
A mother has brought her 9-month-old baby to the physician's office for a well baby visit. Based on knowledge of normal growth and development, the nurse would expect that the ability the child has acquired most recently is which of the following?
- A. Sitting up unsupported
- B. Rolling over without help
- C. Holding head up without assistance
- D. Smiling in response to a familiar face
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 9 months, sitting unsupported is a recently acquired milestone, typically achieved around 6-8 months, following earlier skills like rolling over and head control.
The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has experienced recent multiple falls and weight loss. The client lives with an adult child, but the nurse is questioning the safety of the home. Which of the following interdisciplinary team members would be most appropriate for the nurse to consult?
- A. adult protective services
- B. physical therapist
- C. social worker
- D. physician
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A social worker can assess the home environment, coordinate resources for safety modifications, and address caregiving concerns, making them the most appropriate consult for home safety evaluation.
An elderly client has a 17-mm induration after a tuberculin skin test. Based on this result, which statement is most accurate?
- A. The client has a false-positive reaction due to advanced age
- B. The client has a tuberculosis infection
- C. The client has active tuberculosis disease
- D. The client must be isolated immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 17-mm induration in an elderly client indicates TB infection, as the threshold is ≥10 mm for high-risk groups. It doesn't confirm active disease, which requires further testing (e.g., chest X-ray). False positives are possible but not assumed based on age alone. Isolation isn't required without active disease.
An adult is admitted with Guillain-Barré syndrome. On day 3 of hospitalization, the client's muscle weakness worsens, and he is no longer able to stand with support. He is also having difficulty swallowing and talking. The priority in the nursing care plan at this time is to prevent which problem?
- A. Aspiration pneumonia
- B. Decubitus ulcers
- C. Bladder distention
- D. Hypertensive crisis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Difficulty swallowing increases aspiration risk, making aspiration pneumonia the priority. Other complications are secondary in this acute phase.