The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensation and movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
The nurse recognizes that improperly maintained skeletal traction may lead to........ and.....
- A. Rheumatoid arthritis
- B. Osteomalacia
- C. Increased pain
- D. Bone malunion
- E. Muscle spasms
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Improperly maintained traction can cause increased pain (C) and bone malunion (D) due to misalignment or inadequate stabilization.
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The nurse in an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a 43-year-old client.
History
Admission:
The client comes to the inpatient psychiatric facility for an evaluation. The client is having distressing nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of being "on edge" since a severe motor vehicle collision 6 months ago that resulted in the death of the client's sibling. The client blames self for the sibling's death and verbalizes feelings of guilt. The client reports an inability to sleep well and being quick to anger, both of which led to job loss and the client seeking help. The client reports a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as working out and interacting with friends. The client has started smoking cigarettes daily since the collision and typically consumes ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day. Mental status examination reveals an irritable, guarded, and easily distracted mood. The client's appearance is well- kept, and grooming and hygiene are appropriate. The client’s speech is hyperverbal yet coherent, and thought process is organized. The client admits to feelings of hopelessness after the death of the sibling. The client reports occasionally seeing "shadows" but no visual hallucinations. The client has no homicidal ideations or history of violence toward others.
Vital signs: P 78, RR 17, BP 132/78.
Nurses' Notes
Inpatient - Mental Health Unit
2100:
Client appears anxious and withdrawn, and states, "I am afraid to sleep at night because I get nightmares about my sibling." The client would not elaborate on the content of the nightmares.
1200:
Client attended the first session of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
1300:
Client was observed yelling at peers in the day room because someone changed the television channel. The client is irritable with poor impulse control.
1700: Client appears to be having a panic attack and was found shaking in the room in tears after waking up from a nightmare. The client reports heart palpitations and appears diaphoretic.
Vital signs: P 112/min, RR 20, BP 155/98.
For each of the statements made by the client, click to specify whether the statement indicates that the client's status has improved or not improved.
- A. I woke up only once last night.
- B. I want to talk about the nightmare I had.
- C. I am thinking about selling my car and taking the bus instead.
- D. I have been journaling my stressors and emotional reactions to them.
- E. Sometimes I still get upset by small issues. but I control my feelings better now.
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Statements indicating improvement include waking up less frequently (A), journaling stressors (D), and better emotional control (E). Wanting to talk about nightmares (B) and avoiding driving (C) do not clearly indicate improvement.
The nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit.
History
Admission
0500: The client is admitted with an abscess and cellulitis of the right leg. The abscess is noted on the lateral aspect of the right calf, with redness, swelling, and warmth extending from the knee to the ankle. The abscess was incised in the emergency department, and a moderate amount of purulent, yellowish-green drainage was noted. The leg was wrapped with gauze, and the client received the first dose of IV antibiotics and opioids for pain control.
The client reports chronic lower back pain and gastrosophageal reflux disease, and he was admitted to the hospital once last year for gastrointestinal bleeding. He is currently prescribed daily pantoprazole but takes it only a few times a week.
Vital signs: T 100.9 F (38.3 C), P 82, RR 14, BP 130/80, SpO, 95% on room air
Progress Notes
Medical-Surgical Unit
2300:
The client reports nausea, headache, and insomnia. The client is trembling, diaphoretic, and restless.
The client states, "I would sleep better if those mice and cats would stop climbing up and down the walls."
The upper portion of the clients dressing is saturated with yellowish-green drainage. The peripheral V was removed by the client, and dried blood is noted at the IV site. The IV catheter is on the floor. The client yelled and pushed the nurse's hands away during inspection of the IV site.
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, RR 18, BP 170/96, SpO≥ 95% on room air
The client is preparing for discharge after treatment for cellulitis and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The client expresses motivation to stop using alcohol and is prescribed naltrexone. Which of the following client statements indicate progress toward the goal of abstinence and long-term recovery? Select all that apply.
- A. Drinking alcohol contributed to my divorce and the loss of my job.
- B. I am planning to join a recovery program.
- C. I will be in control now and will drink only on special occasions.
- D. My friends encouraged me to drink more than usual.
- E. When cravings occur, I will call my sponsor.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: A: Acknowledging alcohol's negative impact shows insight. B: Joining a recovery program supports sobriety. E: Having a plan to manage cravings (e.g., calling a sponsor) indicates commitment. C is incorrect as it suggests continued drinking, and D blames others without addressing personal responsibility.
Nurses' Notes
0930:
The client reports shortness of breath and left-sided chest pain for 2 days. The client fractured the right femoral neck a month ago after a fall and decided against operative management. Since then, the client has been wheelchair dependent and takes acetaminophen for fracture pain management. The client was placed on continuous cardiac monitoring.
History and physical
Body System
Neurological
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 22, SpOz 89% on room air; bilateral breath sounds are clear; pain increases with inhalation; the client reports shortness of breath for the past 2 days; the client smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 10 years.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60; S1 and S2 are present; there are no murmurs, redness and edema of the right lower extremity are noted; sinus tachycardia is seen on the monitor, chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
Musculoskeletal
The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
Select the findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
- B. Vital signs are RR 22, SpO2 89% on room air;
- C. Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60;
- D. chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
- E. The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
- G.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: B: SpO2 of 89% indicates hypoxemia, requiring immediate oxygen supplementation. C: Tachycardia (P 110) and low BP (110/60) suggest cardiovascular instability, needing urgent evaluation. D: Severe chest pain (7/10) warrants immediate investigation for potential cardiac or pulmonary issues. A: Anxiety is noted but not immediately life-threatening. E: Musculoskeletal issues are chronic and do not require immediate follow-up.
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
History and Physical
Neurological
The client is alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation; the client reports sudden-onset right-sided facial drooping, speech is slurred; positive right-sided arm drift is seen
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Bilateral pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 16, SpO, 95% on room air, lung sounds are clear bilaterally
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 86, BP 166/90; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; no murmurs are noted; the client has a history of hypertension
Musculoskeletal
Right-sided lower extremity weakness is seen
Endocrine
The client has diabetes mellitus
Psychosocial
The client reports drinking one glass of wine each evening with dinner, no tobacco use, and a history of major depression; the client takes sertraline.
Which 3 additional findings or diagnostic results are most important to plan care for this client?
- A. Blood alcohol level
- B. Capillary blood glucose level
- C. CT scan of the head
- D. Electroencephalography
- E. Standardized stroke assessment
Correct Answer: B, C, E
Rationale: A CT scan (C) is critical to diagnose stroke type. A standardized stroke assessment (E) evaluates severity and guides treatment. Capillary glucose (B) ensures hypoglycemia is not contributing to symptoms. Blood alcohol level (A) is less relevant with minimal alcohol history. EEG (D) is not urgent for suspected stroke.
Nurses' Notes
0930:
The client reports shortness of breath and left-sided chest pain for 2 days. The client fractured the right femoral neck a month ago after a fall and decided against operative management. Since then, the client has been wheelchair dependent and takes acetaminophen for fracture pain management. The client was placed on continuous cardiac monitoring.
History and physical
Body System
Neurological
The client is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, time, and situation; the client appears anxious
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 22, SpOz 89% on room air; bilateral breath sounds are clear; pain increases with inhalation; the client reports shortness of breath for the past 2 days; the client smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 10 years.
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99.8 F (37.7 C), P 110, BP 110/60; S1 and S2 are present; there are no murmurs, redness and edema of the right lower extremity are noted; sinus tachycardia is seen on the monitor, chest pain is reported as 7 on a scale of 0-10
Musculoskeletal
The client has osteoporosis, is wheelchair dependent, and is unable to bear weight on the right leg
Based on the client's history and physical examination findings, which disease process is the most likely cause of this client's current condition?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- C. Pulmonary infection
- D. Venous thromboembolism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's recent immobility (wheelchair dependence post-femoral fracture), right lower extremity redness and edema (suggesting DVT), dyspnea, chest pain, hypoxemia (SpO2 89%), and sinus tachycardia strongly indicate venous thromboembolism, likely a pulmonary embolism secondary to DVT.
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