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Which finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
- B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
- C. Crackles heard in the lung bases.
- D. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a postoperative patient, an oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air indicates a significant drop below the normal range, suggesting potential respiratory distress. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygenation. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is within the normal range, making it a less concerning finding. A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg falls within the normal range for blood pressure and does not require immediate intervention. Crackles heard in the lung bases may indicate fluid accumulation but may not always require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.
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A patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication. What should the nurse assess for?
- A. Check for compartment syndrome
- B. Increase the pain medication
- C. Prepare the patient for surgery immediately
- D. Administer a sedative to calm the patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct answer: When a patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because simply increasing pain medication without identifying the cause of the unrelieved pain may mask symptoms of a serious issue like compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as surgery would only be necessary if compartment syndrome is confirmed. Choice D is incorrect as administering a sedative does not address the underlying issue of unrelieved pain and may delay appropriate treatment.
The patient has the nursing diagnosis of Impaired physical mobility related to pain in the left shoulder. Which priority action will the nurse take?
- A. Assist the patient with comfort measures.
- B. Keep the patient as mobile as possible.
- C. Encourage the patient to perform ROM.
- D. Encourage the patient to do self-care.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Assist the patient with comfort measures.' When a patient is experiencing impaired physical mobility due to pain, the priority action is to provide comfort measures to help manage the pain. By addressing the pain, the patient may then feel more comfortable moving and engaging in mobility exercises. Option B, 'Keep the patient as mobile as possible,' could exacerbate the pain and should not be the initial action. While encouraging range of motion (ROM) exercises (Option C) and self-care (Option D) are important aspects of care, addressing pain and comfort should take precedence in this scenario.
What is the most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with a wound?
- A. Apply an occlusive dressing over the wound.
- B. Clean the wound with normal saline.
- C. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
- D. Reassess the wound every 4 hours for changes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with a wound is to clean the wound with normal saline. This is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. Applying an occlusive dressing (Choice A) can be important but should come after cleaning the wound. Administering antibiotics (Choice C) is not the first-line intervention for all wounds and should be based on the healthcare provider's prescription. Reassessing the wound (Choice D) is essential but not the most important initial intervention.
A patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage deep breathing exercises.
- B. Assist the patient in ambulating a short distance.
- C. Call for assistance with ambulation.
- D. Assess the patient's pain level before ambulation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery is to call for assistance with ambulation. This is essential to ensure the safety of the patient and prevent any potential falls or injuries. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) may be beneficial but should not be the first priority when the patient is having difficulty walking. Assisting the patient in ambulating a short distance (Choice B) may put both the patient and the nurse at risk if the patient is struggling. Assessing the patient's pain level before ambulation (Choice D) is important but should come after ensuring that the patient can safely ambulate with assistance.
The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of guided imagery for pain management in a patient with second- and third-degree burns requiring extensive dressing changes. Which finding best indicates the effectiveness of guided imagery?
- A. The patient's need for analgesic medication decreases during the dressing changes.
- B. The patient rates pain during the dressing change as a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
- C. The patient asks for pain medication during the dressing changes only once throughout the procedure.
- D. The patient's facial expressions remain stoic during the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A reduction in the need for analgesic medication indicates that guided imagery is effective in managing the patient's pain. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of guided imagery. A patient rating pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, asking for pain medication once, or having stoic facial expressions may not necessarily reflect the impact of guided imagery on pain management.