Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?
- A. Administer a prescribed sedative.
- B. Reposition the client for comfort.
- C. Apply ice packs to the surgical site.
- D. Instruct the client in the use of the prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Instructing the client in the use of the PCA pump is the best initial nursing action for managing severe incisional pain after knee replacement surgery. The PCA pump allows the client to self-administer pain medication effectively, promoting better pain management. Administering a sedative may mask the pain temporarily but doesn't address the root cause. Repositioning the client for comfort or applying ice packs may provide some relief but doesn't address the need for effective pain control as the PCA pump does.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a client with nephrotic syndrome?
- A. High protein, low sodium
- B. Low protein, high sodium
- C. High protein, high potassium
- D. Low protein, low sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate dietary modification for a client with nephrotic syndrome is a low protein, low sodium diet. This diet helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and manage edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Choice A, high protein, low sodium, is not recommended because excessive protein intake can further strain the kidneys. Choice B, low protein, high sodium, is inappropriate as high sodium can worsen fluid retention and hypertension. Choice C, high protein, high potassium, is not ideal as high potassium levels can be problematic for individuals with kidney issues.
The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected stroke. Which assessment finding is most indicative of a stroke?
- A. Chest pain
- B. Sudden confusion and difficulty speaking
- C. Gradual onset of weakness in the legs
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudden confusion and difficulty speaking. These are classic signs of a stroke, indicating a neurological deficit that requires urgent medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are less indicative of a stroke. Chest pain is more commonly associated with cardiac issues, gradual onset of weakness in the legs could be related to other conditions like peripheral neuropathy, and nausea/vomiting may suggest gastrointestinal problems rather than a stroke.
Which pathology is associated with an asthma condition?
- A. Chronic dilation and inflammation of the bronchi.
- B. Recurrent spasms of the airways accompanied by edema and mucus production.
- C. Progressive loss of lung function due to destruction of alveolar walls.
- D. Infection of the lung parenchyma.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Recurrent spasms of the airways accompanied by edema and mucus production. Asthma is characterized by bronchospasms, inflammation, swelling of the airways, and increased mucus production. This leads to airway constriction, making it difficult to breathe. Choices A, C, and D do not represent the typical pathology seen in asthma. Chronic dilation and inflammation of the bronchi (Choice A) is more characteristic of bronchiectasis, progressive loss of lung function due to destruction of alveolar walls (Choice C) is seen in conditions like emphysema, and infection of the lung parenchyma (Choice D) is more related to conditions like pneumonia.
What are early signs of varicella disease?
- A. High fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- B. General malaise
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Crusty sores
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct early sign of varicella disease is general malaise. During the prodromal period, patients may experience low-grade fever, malaise, and anorexia. Increased appetite and crusty sores are not typically early signs of varicella. The appearance of lesions occurs later in the course of the disease.
An adult client is admitted with AIDS and oral candidiasis manifested by several painful mouth ulcers. The nurse delegates oral care to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and discusses how to assist the client. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP?
- A. Assist with personal care, but leave oral care for the nurse to complete.
- B. Provide a soft bristle brush for the client to use during oral care.
- C. Use alcohol-based mouthwash to clean the ulcers.
- D. Apply an antifungal cream to the mouth ulcers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Provide a soft bristle brush for the client to use during oral care.' Providing a soft bristle brush helps reduce trauma to the oral mucosa and assists in oral care. Choice A is incorrect because oral care can be safely delegated to UAPs. Choice C is wrong as alcohol-based mouthwash can further irritate the ulcers. Choice D is incorrect as applying an antifungal cream directly to the mouth ulcers is not the standard treatment for oral candidiasis.