Nokea
The nurse is reviewing the serum laboratory results of the client with DM prior to surgical removal of pins used to stabilize a compound ankle fracture. Based on the results, which action should the nurse take?
- A. Notify the surgeon because the white blood cell count is elevated.
- B. Notify the anesthesiologist because multiple lab values are abnormal.
- C. Give potassium chloride 10 mEq in 100 mL NaCl per agency protocol.
- D. Continue to prepare the client for the scheduled pin removal surgery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. The elevated WBC indicates that the client may have an infection, which increases the risk of developing osteomyelitis. DM and a compound fracture also increase the client's risk for osteomyelitis.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which area of health teaching is essential to include in the discharge instructions for a client who has undergone a total hip replacement?
- A. Modifying ways of donning clothing
- B. Using special equipment for bathing
- C. Taking vigorous daily walks
- D. Receiving a daily stool softener
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Modifying clothing application (e.g., avoiding bending or crossing legs) prevents hip dislocation, making it essential for discharge teaching. Vigorous walks are contraindicated, and the other options are less critical.
During a physical examination of the 1-month-old, the nurse notes that the infant has blue sclerae. The nurse should further assess for signs and symptoms of which disorder?
- A. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
- B. Tay-Sachs disease
- C. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
- D. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Blue sclerae are a hallmark of osteogenesis imperfecta due to thin connective tissue.
Which is the nurse's best explanation regarding the goal of surgery for an adolescent requiring surgical treatment for scoliosis?
- A. "The surgery will allow you to grow to be taller."
- B. "The surgery will decrease the recurrence of pain."
- C. "The surgery will prevent problems with breathing."
- D. "The surgery will allow your clothes to fit you better."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scoliosis surgery aims to correct spinal deformity and prevent respiratory complications.
The client has been in a body cast for the past 2 days to treat numerous broken vertebrae from a fall. The client is reporting dyspnea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and abdominal distention. Which action demonstrates the nurse's best clinical judgment?
- A. Immediately notify the health care provider.
- B. Initiate oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
- C. Place ice packs around the outside of the cast.
- D. Administer ondansetron prescribed q6h prn.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. The nurse should immediately notify the HCP. A window in the abdominal portion of the cast or bivalving is needed to relieve the pressure.
What should the nurse do after noting serosanguineous drainage on the cast of a child with myelodysplasia post-TEV repair?
- A. Cut a window where the drainage is seeping through the cast.
- B. Petal the cast to minimize skin irritation and decrease leakage.
- C. Measure the area of drainage on the cast and document this.
- D. Telephone the surgeon to report the serosanguineous drainage.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Measuring and documenting the drainage allows monitoring without compromising the cast's integrity.