The nurse is caring for a client with a newly applied long leg cast. Which of these actions should the nurse take first to prevent complications from the cast?
- A. Check pedal pulses bilaterally
- B. Elevate the leg on pillows
- C. Apply ice to the cast
- D. Instruct the client to wiggle toes hourly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Checking pedal pulses bilaterally is the first action to ensure adequate circulation and detect potential complications like compartment syndrome early.
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The nurse is teaching parents measures to prevent scald and burn injuries to toddlers in the home. Due to toddlers' inquisitiveness, which recommendation by the nurse is most important?
- A. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- B. Use the microwave cautiously when cooking.
- C. Ensure that the smoke detector is on and working.
- D. Verify that the bathwater temperature is tepid.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Turning pot handles back prevents toddlers from grabbing them, addressing their curiosity and reducing scald risks.
A client is diagnosed with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (MRSA). What type of isolation is most appropriate for this client?
- A. Reverse
- B. Airborne
- C. Standard precautions
- D. Contact
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Contact precautions or Body Substance Isolation (BSI) involves the use of barrier protection (e.g. gloves, mask, gown, or protective eyewear as appropriate) whenever direct contact with any body fluid is expected.
The parents of a child who has suddenly been hospitalized for an acute illness state that they should have taken the child to the pediatrician earlier. Which approach by the nurse is best when dealing with the parents' comments?
- A. Focus on the child's needs and recovery
- B. Explain the cause of the child's illness
- C. Acknowledge that early care would have been better
- D. Accept their feelings without judgment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Accept their feelings without judgment. Parents often blame themselves for their child's illness. Feeling helpless and angry is normal and these feelings must be accepted.
The nurse receives a report on an older adult client with middle stage dementia. What information suggests the nurse should do immediate follow up rather than delegate care to the nursing assistant? The client
- A. has had a change in respiratory rate by an increase of 2 breaths
- B. has had a change in heart rate by an increase of 10 beats
- C. was minimally responsive to voice and touch
- D. has had a blood pressure change by a drop in 8 mmHg systolic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A change in level of consciousness indicates delirium related to acute illness. This would require the assessment of a nurse. The other changes could occur within the range of normal fluctuations.
A patient asks a nurse the following question. Exposure to TB can be identified best with which of the following procedures? Which of the following tests is the most definitive of TB?
- A. Chest x-ray
- B. Mantoux test
- C. Breath sounds examination
- D. Sputum culture for gram-negative bacteria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Mantoux is the most accurate test to determine the presence of TB.