When assessing the client who is recovering from a radical hysterectomy with vulvectomy, the nurse notes lymphedema of the lower extremities. Which intervention should be implemented by the nurse?
- A. Elevate the head of the client’s bed to 45 degrees.
- B. Increase the client’s intake of fluids high in sodium.
- C. Encourage the client to exercise the lower extremities.
- D. Apply splints to both of the client’s lower extremities.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle may increase lymphedema of the lower extremities. B. Intake of fluids high in sodium will cause fluid retention. C. Leg exercises will improve drainage when lymphedema is present. D. Lower-extremity splints can cause skin breakdown of edematous tissue.
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The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Which should the nurse include in the client’s plan of care?
- A. Teach the client to limit fluids.
- B. Discuss interventions to maintain hydration.
- C. Measure the client’s calf for swelling.
- D. Have the client take narcotic pain medication every four (4) hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydration (B) prevents sickling in SCD. Limiting fluids (A) worsens crisis, calf swelling (C) is for DVT, and scheduled narcotics (D) risk dependency.
The client’s nephew has just been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The client asks the nurse, 'How did my nephew get this disease?' Which statement would be the best response by the nurse?
- A. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited autosomal recessive disease.'
- B. He was born with it and both his parents were carriers of the disease.'
- C. At this time, the cause of sickle cell anemia is unknown.'
- D. Your sister was exposed to a virus while she was pregnant.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SCA is an autosomal recessive disorder (A), the most precise explanation. Parents as carriers (B) is partial, cause is known (C), and viral exposure (D) is incorrect.
The nurse is caring for the client receiving combination chemotherapy of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin. The nurse should assess the client for which common side effects of this chemotherapy regimen?
- A. Neurotoxicities and diarrhea
- B. Cardiomyopathy and dysphagia
- C. Renal insufficiency and gastritis
- D. Photophobia and stomatitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. Neurotoxicity and diarrhea occur frequently in clients receiving the medication regimen of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), fluorouracil (5-FU), and leucovorin (Wellcovorin). B. Cardiomyopathy and dysphagia are not common side effects of these chemotherapy agents. C. Renal insufficiency and gastritis are not common side effects of these chemotherapy agents. D. Photophobia and stomatitis are not common side effects of these chemotherapy agents.
The client diagnosed with menorrhagia complains to the nurse of feeling listless and tired all the time. Which scientific rationale would explain why these symptoms occur?
- A. The pain associated with the menorrhagia does not allow the client to rest.
- B. The client’s symptoms are unrelated to the diagnosis of menorrhagia.
- C. The client probably has been exposed to a virus that causes chronic fatigue.
- D. Menorrhagia has caused the client to have decreased levels of hemoglobin.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Menorrhagia causes blood loss, lowering hemoglobin (D), leading to fatigue/listlessness. Pain (A) is not primary, symptoms are related (B), and viral fatigue (C) is less likely.
Which situation might cause the nurse to think that the client has von Willebrand’s (vW) disease?
- A. The client has had unexplained episodes of hematemesis.
- B. The client has microscopic blood in the urine.
- C. The client has prolonged bleeding following surgery.
- D. The client developed abruptio placentae.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: vWD impairs clotting, causing prolonged bleeding post-surgery (C). Hematemesis (A) and hematuria (B) are less specific, and abruptio placentae (D) is unrelated.