The nurse is caring for an elderly client after hip replacement surgery. The client is distressed because he has not had a bowel movement in 3 days. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Administer the prescribed as-needed milk of magnesia
- B. Ask dietary services to add more fruits and vegetables to the client’s tray
- C. Notify the registered nurse
- D. Perform a focused abdominal assessment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A focused abdominal assessment determines the cause of constipation (e.g., impaction, obstruction) before interventions like laxatives, dietary changes, or RN notification, ensuring safe and targeted care.
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A nurse observes a family member administer a rectal suppository by having the client lie on the left side for the administration. The family member pushed the suppository until the finger went up to the second knuckle. After 10 minutes the client was told by the family member to turn to the right side and the client did this. What is the appropriate comment for the nurse to make?
- A. Why don't we now have the client turn back to the left side.
- B. That was done correctly. Did you have any problems with the insertion?
- C. Let's check to see if the suppository is in far enough.
- D. Did you feel any stool in the intestinal tract?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left side-lying position is the optimal position for the client receiving rectal medications. Due to the position of the descending colon, left side-lying allows the medication to be inserted and move along the natural curve of the intestine and facilitates retention of the medication.
The nurse is caring for a child admitted with measles. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Advising measles vaccination for susceptible family members
- B. Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
- C. Placing a tracheostomy tray at the bedside
- D. Placing the client in a negative pressure isolation room
- E. Using an N95 respirator mask during client contact
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Measles is highly contagious, requiring negative pressure isolation to prevent airborne spread and vaccination for susceptible contacts to prevent outbreaks. Calamine is for skin conditions like chickenpox, tracheostomy is not indicated, and N95 masks are for tuberculosis, not measles (droplet precautions).
The nurse in the mental health unit observes a client hitting the wall repeatedly with the hands after an upsetting family therapy session. The nurse should recognize that the client is exhibiting which of the following defense mechanisms?
- A. projection
- B. displacement
- C. rationalization
- D. reaction formation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Defense mechanisms are unconscious mental processes used to protect individuals from uncomfortable thoughts, internal conflicts, and external stresses. Defense mechanisms may be therapeutic to clients with anxiety. However, with excessive use, defense mechanisms may become notherapeutic because they involve a degree of self-deception and reality distortion that can result in poor interpersonal relationships, irrational behavior, and decreased productivity.
A client with fibromyalgia refuses to take the prescribed drug duloxetine. When the nurse asks why, the client responds, 'Because I’m not depressed!' What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
- A. Depression is common with fibromyalgia, but a low dose of this drug can prevent it
- B. It can relieve your chronic pain and help you sleep better at night
- C. It helps to relieve the adverse effects of your other prescribed drugs
- D. You have the right to refuse. I will notify your health care provider (HCP)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Duloxetine treats fibromyalgia pain and improves sleep, addressing the client’s misconception without focusing on depression. Other responses are inaccurate or dismissive.
A client involved in a motor vehicle accident has a 4-inch laceration on her left lower leg. Which finding is consistent with an acute inflammatory reaction?
- A. Increased pain caused by the release of histamine
- B. Blanching of the skin proximal to the laceration
- C. A decrease in the white blood count
- D. Granulation of tissue at the edges of the laceration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Histamine release during acute inflammation causes pain and vasodilation. Blanching is not typical, white blood count increases, and granulation occurs later.