Nursing Elites

1. A client has a prescription for a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit for pain management during the postoperative period following a Lumbar Laminectomy. What information should the nurse reinforce about the action of this adjuvant pain modality?

• A. Mild electrical stimulus on the skin surface closes the gates of nerve conduction for severe pain
• B. Pain perception in the cerebral cortex is dulled by the unit's discharge of an electrical stimulus
• C. An infusion of medication in the spinal canal will block pain perception
• D. The discharge of electricity will distract the client's focus on the pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. TENS units work by delivering small electrical impulses through the skin. These impulses are thought to close the 'gates of nerve conduction,' which can help in managing severe pain. Choice B is incorrect because the dulled pain perception does not occur in the cerebral cortex by the TENS unit. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a different method of pain management involving medication in the spinal canal. Choice D is incorrect because TENS does not work by distracting the client's focus on pain, but rather by altering pain perception through electrical impulses.

2. The nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who will undergo a thyroidectomy. What information should the nurse include about postoperative care?

• A. Importance of maintaining neck stability
• B. How to care for the surgical drain
• C. Pain management strategies
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Providing preoperative teaching for a client undergoing a thyroidectomy is essential to prepare them for postoperative care. Information about the importance of maintaining neck stability is crucial to prevent complications such as strain on the surgical site. Teaching the client how to care for the surgical drain is important to prevent infections, ensure proper wound healing, and aid in monitoring postoperative recovery. Pain management strategies are vital to ensure the client's comfort and promote optimal recovery. Including all these aspects in preoperative teaching ensures the client is well-prepared for comprehensive postoperative care. Therefore, the correct answer is D because all these elements are essential components of postoperative care for a client undergoing a thyroidectomy. Choices A, B, and C are all important aspects of postoperative care that the nurse should include in the preoperative teaching session.

3. The nurse is caring for a 75-year-old male client who is beginning to form a decubitus ulcer at the coccyx. Which intervention will be most helpful in preventing further development of the decubitus ulcer?

• A. Encourage the client to eat foods high in protein
• B. Assess the client for daily range of motion exercises
• C. Teach the family how to perform sterile wound care
• D. Ensure the IV fluids are administered as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to eat foods high in protein is crucial in preventing further development of decubitus ulcers as high protein foods support tissue repair and skin integrity. Adequate protein intake is essential for wound healing. Assessing the client for daily range of motion exercises is important for preventing complications related to immobility, but it may not directly address the prevention of decubitus ulcers. Teaching the family how to perform sterile wound care is significant for wound management but may not be the most effective intervention to prevent further development of decubitus ulcers. Ensuring IV fluids are administered as prescribed is essential for maintaining hydration status but is not the most relevant intervention for preventing decubitus ulcers.

4. A client is being treated for heart failure. What should the nurse monitor to evaluate treatment effectiveness?

• A. Daily weight
• B. Electrolyte levels
• C. Urine output
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring daily weight, electrolyte levels, and urine output is crucial in evaluating treatment effectiveness for heart failure. Daily weight monitoring helps assess fluid retention or loss, changes in electrolyte levels can indicate imbalances affecting heart function, and urine output monitoring provides insights into kidney function and fluid balance. Therefore, all options are essential components in assessing the patient's fluid status and response to treatment, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect individually as they only represent partial aspects of monitoring heart failure treatment effectiveness.

5. What intervention has the highest priority for a client with a fourth-degree midline laceration following the vaginal delivery of an 8-pound 10-ounce infant?

• A. Administer a prescribed stool softener
• B. Administer prescribed PRN sleep medications
• C. Encourage breastfeeding to promote uterine involution
• D. Encourage the use of prescribed analgesic perineal sprays

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a prescribed stool softener is the highest priority intervention for a client with a fourth-degree midline laceration to prevent straining during bowel movements, which could potentially harm the healing laceration. Stool softeners help in maintaining soft stools, reducing the risk of injury to the suture line. Administering PRN sleep medications, encouraging breastfeeding, or promoting the use of analgesic perineal sprays are important aspects of care but are not the priority in this situation. Stool softeners play a crucial role in preventing complications and promoting healing in such cases, making it the most urgent intervention.

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