While the RN is assessing a mother's perineum on her 2nd postpartum day after having a vaginal delivery, the RN notes a large ecchymotic area located to the left of the mother's perineum. Which one of the following interventions should the RN initiate at this time?
- A. Have the client expose the area to air.
- B. Apply ice to the perineum.
- C. Encourage the client to take warm sitz baths.
- D. Inform the physician.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warm sitz baths increase circulation, promote healing, and reduce edema in a traumatized perineum, making it appropriate for an ecchymotic area.
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A nurse should carefully monitor a client for the following side effect of MgSO4:
- A. Visual blurring
- B. Tachypnea
- C. Epigastric pain
- D. Respiratory depression
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should provide good distractors because these symptoms indicate that PIH has become more severe and may precede the convulsive or eclamptic phase. This is the opposite side effect of this medication. This is a common side effect of this medication and needs to be monitored and recorded frequently.
A client is admitted with disseminated herpes zoster (shingles). According to the Centers for Disease Control Guidelines for Infection Control:
- A. Airborne precautions will be needed.
- B. No special precautions will be needed.
- C. Only contact precautions will be needed.
- D. Droplet precautions will be needed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Disseminated herpes zoster requires airborne precautions because the varicella-zoster virus can spread through respiratory droplets in immunocompromised patients.
A baby is circumcised. Immediate postoperative care should include:
- A. Applying a loose diaper
- B. Keeping the baby NPO for 4 hours to avoid vomiting
- C. Changing the dressing frequently using dry, sterile gauze
- D. Taking the baby to his mother for cuddling
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pressure diaper should be applied to discourage hemorrhage. The baby can be fed by his mother soon after the procedure, once it is assessed that he is not in any distress and is stable. Dressing changes should not be dry. Dry dressing will stick. Cuddling after the procedure will hopefully quiet the baby. Feeding is also important if his feeding was withheld prior to the procedure or it is time for a feeding.
A client was admitted to the hospital after falling in her home. At the time of admission, her blood alcohol level was 0.27 mg%. Her family indicates that she has been drinking a fifth of vodka a day for the past 9 months. She had her last drink 30 minutes prior to admission. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms would most likely be exhibited by her:
- A. Two to 4 hours after the last drink
- B. Six to 8 hours after the last drink
- C. Immediately on admission
- D. Twenty-four hours after the last drink
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This answer is incorrect. Alcohol withdrawal usually begins approximately 6-8 hours after the last drink. This answer is correct. It takes approximately 6-8 hours for metabolism of alcohol. This answer is incorrect. The alcohol is still in the system, as indicated by the high blood alcohol level. This answer is incorrect. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually begin within 6-8 hours of the last drink.
The physician has prescribed Synthroid (levothyroxine) for a client with myxedema. Which statement indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching regarding the medication?
- A. I will take the medication each morning after breakfast.
- B. I will check my heart rate before taking the medication.
- C. I will report visual disturbances to my doctor.
- D. I will stop the medication if I develop gastric upset.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reporting visual disturbances is important, as levothyroxine can rarely cause visual changes, indicating a need for medical evaluation. It should be taken before breakfast, not stopped for gastric upset.
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