Upon admission to the hospital, a client presents with decreased circulation in the left leg. What is the most important initial nursing action during the assessment?
- A. Assess the client's mobility
- B. Evaluate the pedal pulses
- C. Monitor skin temperature
- D. Check for swelling
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is admitted with decreased circulation in the left leg, the most critical initial nursing action is to evaluate the pedal pulses. Pedal pulses provide essential information about the circulation status in the affected leg. Assessing the client's mobility (Choice A) is important but not as crucial as evaluating pedal pulses in this scenario. Monitoring skin temperature (Choice C) and checking for swelling (Choice D) are also relevant, but they are secondary to evaluating pedal pulses since the latter directly assesses the circulation in the affected limb.
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At the time of the first dressing change, the client refuses to look at her mastectomy incision. The LPN tells the client that the incision is healing well, but the client refuses to talk about it. What would be an appropriate response to this client's silence?
- A. It is normal to feel angry and depressed, but the sooner you deal with this surgery, the better you will feel.
- B. Looking at your incision can be frightening, but facing this fear is a necessary part of your recovery.
- C. It is OK if you don't want to talk about your surgery. I will be available when you are ready.
- D. I will ask a woman who has had a mastectomy to come by and share her experiences with you.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this situation, it's essential to acknowledge and respect the client's feelings and choices. Choice C is the most appropriate response as it validates the client's decision not to discuss the surgery while offering support and understanding. Giving the client space and letting them know you will be available when they are ready shows empathy and fosters trust. Choices A and B do not respect the client's autonomy and may come across as dismissive or pressuring. Choice D assumes the client needs advice from someone who has had a similar experience without considering the client's current emotional state and preferences.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is receiving a change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
- A. A client who has new onset of dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty
- B. A client who has acute abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale from 0 to 10
- C. A client who has a UTI and low-grade fever
- D. A client who has pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 96%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize seeing the client who has new onset dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty first. This sudden dyspnea could indicate a serious complication like a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Acute abdominal pain, a UTI with a low-grade fever, and pneumonia with an oxygen saturation of 96% are important concerns but are not as immediately life-threatening as potential pulmonary embolism indicated by sudden dyspnea postoperatively.
How can self-injury be prevented when lifting a bedside cabinet?
- A. Standing close to the cabinet when lifting.
- B. Bending at the waist when lifting.
- C. Twisting while lifting to balance the load.
- D. Lifting with a quick motion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct way to prevent self-injury when lifting a bedside cabinet is by standing close to the cabinet. By standing close, the individual can maintain better control and balance while lifting, reducing the risk of injury. Bending at the waist when lifting (choice B) can strain the back and lead to injury. Twisting while lifting (choice C) can also cause strain and imbalance. Lifting with a quick motion (choice D) can increase the risk of injury due to lack of control and improper body mechanics.
A healthcare professional is preparing a care plan for a patient who is immobile. Which psychosocial aspect will the professional assess for?
- A. Loss of bone mass
- B. Loss of strength
- C. Loss of weight
- D. Loss of hope
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct. Loss of hope is a significant psychosocial aspect that healthcare professionals should assess for in patients who are immobile. Immobility can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, impacting the patient's mental well-being. Assessing for loss of hope allows healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions to address the patient's emotional needs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they primarily relate to physical changes (bone mass, strength, weight) rather than the psychosocial aspect of hope.
A nurse in a provider's office is assessing the deep tendon reflexes of a client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse identify as indicating the correct method for eliciting the client's patellar reflex?
- A. Tap just below the knee
- B. Tap on the upper thigh
- C. Tap on the ankle
- D. Tap on the lower leg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique for eliciting the client's patellar reflex is to tap just below the knee. This action stimulates the stretch receptors in the patellar tendon, leading to a reflex contraction of the quadriceps muscle and extension of the lower leg. Tapping on the upper thigh (Choice B) would not elicit the patellar reflex as it targets a different area. Similarly, tapping on the ankle (Choice C) or tapping on the lower leg (Choice D) would not produce the desired response associated with the patellar reflex, making them incorrect choices.