Twelve hours after delivery, the nurse assesses the client for uterine involution. The nurse determines that the uterus is progressing normally toward its prepregnancy state when palpation of the client's fundus is at which level?
- A. At the umbilicus
- B. One finger breadth below the umbilicus
- C. Two finger breadths below the umbilicus
- D. Midway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The term 'involution' is used to describe the rapid reduction in size and the return of the uterus to a normal condition similar to its nonpregnant state. Immediately after the delivery of the placenta, the uterus contracts to the size of a large grapefruit. The fundus is situated in the midline between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. Within 6 to 12 hours after birth, the fundus of the uterus rises to the level of the umbilicus. The top of the fundus remains at the level of the umbilicus for about a day and then descends into the pelvis approximately one finger breadth on each succeeding day.
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The nurse is preparing to measure the fundal height of a client whose fetus is 28 weeks' gestation. In what position should the nurse place the client to perform the procedure?
- A. In a standing position
- B. In the Trendelenburg position
- C. Supine with the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees
- D. Supine with her head on a pillow and knees slightly flexed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When measuring fundal height, the client lies in a supine (back) position with her head on a pillow and knees slightly flexed. The standing position, Trendelenburg (head lowered), or supine with the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees would prevent the nurse from getting an accurate measurement.
The nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) how to do pursed-lip breathing. Evaluation of understanding is evident if the client performs which action?
- A. Breathes in and then holds the breath for 30 seconds
- B. Loosens the abdominal muscles while breathing out
- C. Inhales with puckered lips and exhales with the mouth open wide
- D. Breathes so that expiration is two to three times as long as inspiration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: COPD is a disease state characterized by airflow obstruction. Prolonging expiration time reduces air trapping caused by airway narrowing that occurs in COPD. The client is not instructed to breathe in and hold the breath for 30 seconds; this action has no useful purpose for the client with COPD. Tightening (not loosening) the abdominal muscles aids in expelling air. Exhaling through pursed lips (not with the mouth wide open) increases the intraluminal pressure and prevents the airways from collapsing.
The nurse is developing a care plan for an older client being admitted to a long-term care facility. Which information should the nurse use to plan interventions for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Older clients tend to be incontinent.
- B. Older clients are at risk for dehydration.
- C. Depression is a normal part of the aging process.
- D. Age-related skin changes require special monitoring.
- E. Older clients are at risk for complications of immobility.
- F. Confusion and cognitive changes are common findings in the older population.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Older clients are at risk for dehydration and complications related to immobility. Another normal physiological change that occurs during the aging process is loss of skin integrity. Incontinence, depression, confusion, and cognitive changes are not normal parts of the aging process.
A client has fallen and sustained a leg injury. Which question should the nurse ask to help determine if the client sustained a fracture?
- A. Is the pain a dull ache?
- B. Is the pain sharp and continuous?
- C. Does the discomfort feel like a cramp?
- D. Does the pain feel like the muscle was stretched?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fracture pain is generally described as sharp, continuous, and increasing in frequency. Bone pain is often described as a dull, deep ache. Muscle injury is often described as an aching or cramping pain, or soreness. Strains result from trauma to a muscle body or the attachment of a tendon from overstretching or overextension.
A client who underwent surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is 1 day postoperative. The nurse performs an abdominal assessment and notes the absence of bowel sounds. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Start the client on sips of water.
- B. Remove the nasogastric (NG) tube.
- C. Call the primary health care provider immediately.
- D. Document the finding and continue to assess for bowel sounds.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bowel sounds may be absent for 3 to 4 postoperative days because of bowel manipulation during surgery. The nurse should document the finding and continue to monitor the client. The NG tube should stay in place if present, and the client is kept NPO until after the onset of bowel sounds. Additionally, the nurse does not remove the tube without a prescription to do so. There is no need to call the primary health care provider immediately at this time.