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The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of a C-6 spinal cord injury during the spinal shock phase. Which action should the nurse implement when preparing the client to sit in a chair?
- A. Apply knee splints to stabilize the joints during transfer.
- B. Teach the client to lock the knees during the pivoting stage of the transfer.
- C. Administer a vasodilator in order to improve circulation of the lower limbs.
- D. Raise the head of the bed slowly to decrease orthostatic hypotensive episodes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spinal shock is a sudden depression of reflex activity in the spinal cord that occurs below the level of injury (areflexia). It is often accompanied by vasodilation in the lower limbs, which results in a fall in blood pressure upon rising. The client can have dizziness and feel faint. The nurse should provide for a gradual progression in head elevation while monitoring the blood pressure. The use of splints would impair the transfer. Clients with cervical cord injuries cannot lock their knees. A vasodilator would exacerbate the problem.
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The clinic nurse wants to develop a teaching program for clients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which strategy should the nurse initiate first in order to best meet the clients' needs?
- A. Assess the clients' functional abilities.
- B. Ensure that insurance will pay for participation in the program.
- C. Discuss the focus of the program with the multidisciplinary team.
- D. Include everyone who comes into the clinic in the teaching sessions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurse-managed clinics focus on individualized disease prevention and health promotion and maintenance. Therefore, the nurse must first assess the clients and their needs to effectively plan the program. Options 2, 3, and 4 do not address the clients' needs related to the diagnosis.
The nurse is planning care for a client with the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left leg. The client is experiencing severe edema and pain in the affected extremity. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement in the care of this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Elevate the left leg.
- B. Apply moist heat to the left leg.
- C. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed.
- D. Ambulate in the hall three times per shift.
- E. Administer anticoagulation as prescribed.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Management of the client with DVT who is experiencing severe edema and pain includes bed rest; limb elevation; relief of discomfort with warm, moist heat and analgesics as needed; anticoagulant therapy; and monitoring for signs of pulmonary embolism. In current practice, activity restriction may not be prescribed if the client is receiving low-molecular-weight anticoagulation; however, some primary health care providers may still prefer bed rest for the client.
When the nurse manager encourages staff to provide input in the decision-making process, which leadership style is being demonstrated?
- A. Autocratic
- B. Situational
- C. Democratic
- D. Laissez-faire
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The democratic style of leadership best empowers staff toward excellence because this style of leadership allows nurses to provide input regarding the decision-making process and an opportunity to grow professionally. The autocratic style of leadership is task oriented and directive. The leader uses his or her power and position in an authoritarian manner to set and implement organizational goals. Decisions are made without input from the staff. The situational leadership style uses a style depending on the situation and events. The laissez-faire style allows staff to work without assistance, direction, or supervision.
The nurse instructs a client with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation who has been prescribed warfarin to use an electric razor for shaving. Which premise best supports the rationale for this instruction?
- A. Cuts need to be avoided.
- B. Any cut may cause infection.
- C. Electric razors can be disinfected.
- D. All straight razors contain bacteria.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with atrial fibrillation are placed on anticoagulants to prevent thrombus formation and possible stroke. Therefore, measures to prevent bleeding need to be taught to the client. The importance of use of an electric razor is to prevent cuts and possible bleeding. Not all cuts cause infection. Electric razors can be cleaned but usually cannot be disinfected. Not all straight razors contain bacteria. Additionally, options 2, 3, and 4 are all unrelated to the subject of bleeding; rather, they relate to infection.
The client with a diagnosis of bladder cancer is to undergo weekly intravesical chemotherapy for the next 8 weeks. Which statement by the client should indicate to the nurse that the client understands how to manage urine as a biohazard?
- A. Void into a bedpan and then empty the urine into the toilet.
- B. Purchase extra bottles of scented disinfectant for daily bathroom cleansing.
- C. Have one bathroom strictly set aside for the client's use for the next 8 weeks.
- D. Disinfect the toilet with household bleach after voiding for 6 hours after a treatment.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intravesical instillation involves instilling a chemotherapeutic agent into the bladder via a urethral catheter. This method of treatment provides a concentrated topical treatment with minimal systemic absorption. The client retains the medication for approximately 2 hours. After intravesical chemotherapy, the client treats the urine as a biohazard. This involves disinfecting the toilet after voiding with household bleach for 6 hours after a treatment. There is no value in using a bedpan for voiding. Scented disinfectants are of no particular use. The client does not need to have a separate bathroom for personal use.