LPN LPN
ATI Learning System PN Medical Surgical Final Quizlet
1. A client who is 2 days postoperative reports severe pain and swelling in the right leg. The nurse notes that the leg is warm and red. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Apply a warm compress to the affected leg.
- B. Elevate the leg on pillows.
- C. Measure the circumference of the leg.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse's priority action in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms, including severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the leg, are indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially serious condition. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider is crucial to initiate appropriate diagnostic tests and interventions to prevent complications associated with DVT. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) could worsen the condition by increasing blood flow. Elevating the leg (Choice B) might be contraindicated in DVT as it can dislodge a clot. Measuring the circumference of the leg (Choice C) is not the priority at this time compared to promptly involving the healthcare provider.
2. A client with liver cirrhosis is being educated about managing their condition. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid drinking alcohol
- B. I need to limit my salt intake
- C. I can take acetaminophen for pain
- D. I should eat a balanced diet
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients with liver cirrhosis should avoid acetaminophen because it can cause further liver damage. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and in individuals with liver disease, it can lead to liver toxicity. Therefore, clients with liver cirrhosis should use alternative pain medications that do not affect the liver, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements for managing liver cirrhosis. Avoiding alcohol helps prevent further liver damage, limiting salt intake helps manage fluid retention and complications like ascites, and eating a balanced diet supports overall health and helps prevent malnutrition.
3. When implementing patient teaching for a patient admitted with hyperglycemia and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus scheduled for discharge the second day after admission, what is the priority action for the nurse?
- A. Instruct about the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- B. Provide detailed information about dietary glucose control.
- C. Teach glucose self-monitoring and medication administration.
- D. Give information about the effects of exercise on glucose control.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when time is limited is to focus on essential teaching. In this scenario, the patient should be educated on how to self-monitor glucose levels and administer medications to control glucose levels. This empowers the patient with immediate skills for managing their condition. Instructing about the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (choice A) is important but not as urgent as teaching self-monitoring and medication administration. Providing detailed information about dietary glucose control (choice B) can be beneficial but is secondary to ensuring the patient can monitor and manage their glucose levels. Teaching about the effects of exercise (choice D) is relevant but not as critical as immediate self-monitoring and medication administration education.
4. In a client with liver cirrhosis experiencing confusion and disorientation, what condition is most likely causing these symptoms?
- A. Hepatic encephalopathy
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Electrolyte imbalance
- D. Dehydration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy is the most likely condition causing confusion and disorientation in a client with liver cirrhosis. This condition is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and is characterized by cognitive impairment due to elevated ammonia levels in the blood. The build-up of ammonia affects brain function, leading to symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and altered consciousness. Hypoglycemia (choice B) may present with confusion but is less likely in a client with liver cirrhosis without a history of diabetes or insulin use. Electrolyte imbalance (choice C) and dehydration (choice D) can contribute to confusion but are not the primary causes in a client with liver cirrhosis experiencing these symptoms.
5. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer regular insulin intravenously.
- B. Give oral hypoglycemic agents.
- C. Administer sodium bicarbonate.
- D. Provide a high-calorie diet.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to administer regular insulin intravenously. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis, which are critical in managing DKA. Administering oral hypoglycemic agents is not appropriate in the acute setting of DKA as they may not work quickly enough compared to intravenous insulin. While sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, insulin administration is the priority to address both hyperglycemia and acidosis simultaneously. Providing a high-calorie diet is not suitable initially in DKA management; the main focus is on stabilizing the patient's condition through insulin therapy and fluid/electrolyte correction.
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