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When comparing the hematocrit levels of a postoperative client, the nurse notes that the hematocrit decreased from 36% to 34% on the third day even though the RBC count and hemoglobin value remained within 10 mg/dL and 11.9 g/dL, respectively. The nurse should:
- A. Check the dressing and drains for frank bleeding.
- B. Call the physician.
- C. Continue to monitor vital signs.
- D. Start oxygen at 2 L/minute per nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A slight decrease in hematocrit (36% to 34%) on postoperative day 3, with stable RBC count and hemoglobin, is likely due to hemodilution from fluid administration rather than active bleeding. The nurse should continue to monitor vital signs and hematologic parameters. Checking for bleeding is unnecessary without signs of hemorrhage, calling the physician is premature, and oxygen is not indicated.
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The primary reason for infusing blood at a rate of 60 mL/hour is to help prevent which of the following complications?
- A. Emboli formation.
- B. Fluid volume overload.
- C. Red blood cell hemolysis.
- D. Allergic reaction.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A slow infusion rate (60 mL/hour) prevents fluid volume overload, especially in clients at risk post-trauma. Emboli, hemolysis, and allergic reactions are less directly related to infusion rate.
A client is being discharged with nasal packing in place. The nurse should instruct the client to:
- A. Perform frequent mouth care.
- B. Use normal saline nose drops daily.
- C. See normal enough with mouth mouth.
- D. Gargle every 4 hours with salt water.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Frequent mouth care prevents dryness and infection due to mouth breathing with nasal packing. Saline drops are not needed with packing in place. The third option is unclear. Gargling is not routinely required.
A client's job involves working in a warm, dry room, frequently bending and crouching to check the underside of a high-speed press, and wearing eye guards. Given this information, the nurse should assess the client for which of the following?
- A. Muscle aches.
- B. Thirst.
- C. Lethargy.
- D. Orthostatic hypotension.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Frequent bending and crouching in a warm, dry environment increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension due to dehydration and positional changes.
The nurse's best explanation for why the severely neutropenic client is placed in reverse isolation is that reverse isolation helps prevent the spread of organisms:
- A. To the client from sources outside the client's environment.
- B. From the client to health care personnel, visitors, and other clients.
- C. By using special techniques to dispose of contaminated materials.
- D. By using special techniques to handle the client's linens and personal items.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reverse isolation protects severely neutropenic clients by preventing the introduction of pathogens from external sources, such as staff, visitors, or equipment. It is not about preventing spread from the client or specific disposal/handling techniques.
A client has been admitted with acute renal failure. What should the nurse do? Select all that apply.
- A. Elevate the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees.
- B. Take vital signs.
- C. Establish an I.V. access site.
- D. Call the admitting physician for orders.
- E. Contact the hemodialysis unit.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Taking vital signs, establishing IV access, and contacting the physician are immediate actions to assess and stabilize the client with acute renal failure.