Nokea
When giving discharge instructions to a 24-year-old client who had a short-arm cast applied for a fractured right ulna, the nurse recognizes the importance of telling him that the drying time for a plaster of Paris cast is approximately:
- A. 30 minutes
- B. 1-4 hours
- C. 12-24 hours
- D. 24-72 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Synthetic cast materials harden in 3-15 minutes. Weight bearing is permitted in 15-30 minutes. Drying time for plaster of Paris is about 24-72 hours. (B, C) Plaster of Paris cast materials are heavier than synthetic materials and require a drying time of 24-72 hours. Synthetic materials dry within 30 minutes. Plaster of Paris cast materials are heavier than synthetic materials and require a longer period to set and dry. Even though setting time (hardening) is only 3-15 minutes, the drying time for plaster of Paris is 24-72 hours. This depends on the size and thickness of the cast, exposure to air, and humidity in the air.
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A client who has been receiving Urokinase (UPA) for deep vein thrombosis is noted to have dark brown urine in the urine collection bag. Which action should the nurse take immediately?
- A. Prepare an injection of vitamin K
- B. Irrigate the urinary catheter with 50 mL of normal saline
- C. Offer the client additional oral fluids
- D. Withhold the medication and notify the physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dark brown urine may indicate hematuria, a potential side effect of Urokinase, a thrombolytic agent. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the physician immediately to assess for bleeding complications. Vitamin K is used for warfarin reversal, irrigation is inappropriate, and fluids won’t address the issue.
The parents of a child with cystic fibrosis ask what determines the prognosis of the disease. The nurse knows that the greatest determinant of the prognosis is:
- A. The degree of pulmonary involvement
- B. The ability to maintain an ideal weight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary involvement is the primary determinant of prognosis in cystic fibrosis, as progressive lung disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
The nurse is caring for an older client hospitalized with dehydration. Which site should be used to check for skin turgor?
- A. Hand
- B. Arm
- C. Abdomen
- D. Forehead
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In older adults the abdomen is the most reliable site for assessing skin turgor due to age-related changes in skin elasticity on the hands and arms. The forehead is not a standard site for this assessment.
A female client was recently diagnosed with gastric cancer. She entered the hospital and had a total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful. On conducting discharge teaching, the nurse discusses changes in bodily function and lifestyle changes with the client. In order to prevent pernicious anemia, the nurse stresses that the client must:
- A. Receive monthly blood transfusions
- B. Increase the amount of iron in her diet
- C. Eat small quantities several times daily until she is able to tolerate food in moderate portions
- D. Understand the need for Vitamin B12 replacement therapy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Monthly blood transfusions are not indicated postgastrectomy. Increasing iron in the client's diet may cause irritation and will not alleviate pernicious anemia. It may be necessary that the client eat small meals several times per day, but this measure has no relevance to prevention of pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is caused by lack of Vitamin B12, and replacement therapy will be necessary because the client's stomach has been removed.
The client is admitted with a diagnosis of preterm labor. Which symptom is most characteristic?
- A. Uterine contractions
- B. Fetal macrosomia
- C. Maternal fever
- D. Painless vaginal bleeding
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Uterine contractions (regular frequent) are the hallmark of preterm labor occurring before 37 weeks. Fetal macrosomia maternal fever and painless bleeding are not characteristic.