The nurse transcribes the postoperative prescriptions for a client who returns to the unit following surgery and notes that an antihypertensive medication that was prescribed preoperatively is not listed. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Consult with the pharmacist about the need to continue the medication.
- B. Administer the antihypertensive medication as prescribed preoperatively.
- C. Withhold the medication until the client is fully alert and vital signs are stable.
- D. Contact the health care provider to renew the prescription for the medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has noted that an antihypertensive medication prescribed preoperatively is missing from the postoperative prescriptions. It is essential to renew preoperative medications postoperatively. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the health care provider to renew the prescription for the antihypertensive medication. Consulting with the pharmacist about the need to continue the medication is not appropriate in this situation as pharmacists do not prescribe or renew medications. Administering the antihypertensive medication as prescribed preoperatively without a current prescription poses a risk to the client's safety. Withholding the medication until the client is fully alert and vital signs are stable does not address the issue of the missing prescription and delays the client's necessary treatment.
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Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a client with limited mobility strategies to prevent venous thrombosis?
- A. Perform cough and deep breathing exercises hourly.
- B. Turn from side to side in bed at least every 2 hours.
- C. Dorsiflex and plantarflex the feet 10 times each hour
- D. Drink approximately 4 ounces of water every hour
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To reduce the risk of venous thrombosis, the nurse should instruct the client to perform dorsiflexion and plantar flexion exercises regularly. These exercises help promote venous return and prevent venous thrombus formation. Options A, B, and D are beneficial in managing other complications of immobility, such as atelectasis and pressure ulcers, but they are less effective in preventing venous thrombosis compared to dorsiflexion and plantar flexion exercises.
A client experiences postpartum hemorrhage eight hours after the birth of twins. Following administration of IV fluids and 500 ml of whole blood, her hemoglobin and hematocrit are within normal limits. She asks the nurse whether she should continue to breastfeed the infants. Which of the following is based on sound rationale?
- A. Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.
- B. Breastfeeding twins will take too much energy after the hemorrhage.
- C. The blood transfusion may increase the risks to you and the babies.
- D. Lactation should be delayed until the 'real milk' is secreted.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.' Stimulation of the breast during nursing releases oxytocin, which contracts the uterus. This contraction is especially important following hemorrhage. Choice B is incorrect because breastfeeding can actually help prevent further bleeding by promoting uterine contractions. Choice C is incorrect as the blood transfusion is aimed at restoring the client's blood volume and should not significantly impact the babies. Choice D is incorrect as lactation should not be delayed, as breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits to both the mother and infants, including aiding in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.
When bathing an uncircumcised boy older than 3 years, which action should the nurse take?
- A. Remind the child to clean his genital area.
- B. Defer perineal care because of the child's age.
- C. Retract the foreskin gently to cleanse the penis
- D. Ask the parents why the child is not circumcised
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When bathing an uncircumcised boy older than 3 years, it is essential to gently retract the foreskin to cleanse the penis. This helps in preventing the buildup of bacteria and maintaining good hygiene. Reminding the child to clean his genital area (Option A) may not be effective due to the child's cognitive development level. Perineal care should not be deferred (Option B) as it is necessary for maintaining hygiene at any age. Asking the parents why the child is not circumcised (Option D) is not relevant to the immediate care required during bathing.
A client has been diagnosed with depression, and a nurse is assisting them. Which of the following is an example of a short-term outcome as part of the nursing process for this client?
- A. Client will verbalize that depression symptoms have lifted
- B. Client will identify life stressors that may be contributing to depression
- C. Client's insomnia will be resolved as evidenced by 8 hours of sleep each night
- D. Client will identify a mental health counselor in the community with whom they can meet for ongoing therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the nursing process for a client with depression, short-term outcomes are goals that need to be achieved before advancing towards long-term outcomes. Identifying life stressors that may be contributing to the depression is a crucial initial step. This process helps the client work through feelings of grief or sadness before moving on to long-term goals like therapy and depression management.
Choice A is not a short-term outcome as the lifting of depression symptoms is usually a long-term goal. Choice C focuses on resolving insomnia, which is a symptom of depression, but not directly addressing the root cause. Choice D involves identifying a mental health counselor for ongoing therapy, which is more aligned with a long-term treatment plan, rather than a short-term outcome.
When taking a client's blood pressure, the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
- A. Deflate the cuff completely and immediately reattempt the reading.
- B. Re-inflate the cuff completely and leave it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds before taking the second reading.
- C. Deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading.
- D. Document the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard while taking a client's blood pressure, the best action is to deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading. Deflating the cuff for this duration allows blood flow to return to the extremity, ensuring an accurate reading on that extremity a second time. Option A of deflating the cuff completely and immediately reattempting the reading could lead to a falsely high reading. Option B, re-inflating the cuff completely and leaving it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds, reduces circulation, causes pain, and may alter the reading. Option D, documenting the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen, is not a reliable method for assessing blood pressure and does not address the issue of obtaining an accurate reading.