Nursing Elites

1. A client is recovering from a below-the-knee amputation (BKA). The client reports phantom limb pain. What should the nurse include in the client’s care plan to manage this type of pain?

• A. Apply heat to the residual limb.
• B. Administer prescribed analgesics.
• C. Elevate the residual limb.
• D. Perform range-of-motion exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phantom limb pain is a type of pain that feels like it's coming from a body part that's no longer there. It is essential to understand that phantom limb pain is real and should be managed appropriately. Administering prescribed analgesics is the most effective way to address this discomfort. Applying heat, elevating the residual limb, and performing range-of-motion exercises are not effective in managing phantom limb pain since the pain originates from the brain expecting sensory input from the missing limb, rather than being related to physical factors that heat, elevation, or exercises can address.

2. What is the primary function of surfactant in the lungs?

• A. Reduce surface tension
• B. Enhance oxygen absorption
• C. Facilitate carbon dioxide release
• D. Increase lung volume

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of surfactant in the lungs is to reduce surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension prevents lung collapse and allows for easier breathing. It is particularly crucial in premature infants to help with lung expansion. Choice B is incorrect because surfactant primarily affects surface tension, not oxygen absorption. Choice C is incorrect because surfactant's main role is not in facilitating carbon dioxide release. Choice D is incorrect because surfactant does not directly increase lung volume; its main role is in reducing surface tension.

3. After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, what is the most important instruction the nurse should give the client regarding post-operative care at home?

• A. Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least a week.
• B. Follow a low-fat diet.
• C. Monitor the incision sites for signs of infection.
• D. Resume normal activities as tolerated.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the incision sites for signs of infection is crucial after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Infections can lead to serious complications if not detected early. While avoiding heavy lifting and following a low-fat diet are important aspects of recovery, monitoring for infection takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's immediate post-operative well-being. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it addresses the most critical aspect of post-operative care.

4. A client who is post-operative from a bowel resection is experiencing abdominal distention and pain. The nurse notices the client has not passed gas or had a bowel movement. What should the nurse assess first?

• A. The client's bowel sounds.
• B. The client's fluid intake.
• C. The client's pain level.
• D. The client's surgical incision.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing bowel sounds is crucial in this situation as it helps determine if the client's gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly. Absent or hypoactive bowel sounds can indicate an ileus, a common post-operative complication. Assessing fluid intake (Choice B) is important but should come after assessing bowel sounds. Pain assessment (Choice C) is essential but addressing the physiological issue should take precedence. Checking the surgical incision (Choice D) is relevant but not the priority when the client is experiencing abdominal distention and potential gastrointestinal complications.

5. While conducting a mental status examination of a newly admitted male client, the PN notes that his head is lowered, and he shows no emotion or expression when speaking. Based on these observations, what documentation should the PN include?

• A. Impaired verbalization
• B. Depressed mood
• C. Flat affect
• D. Diminished LOC

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Flat affect.' Flat affect refers to a lack of emotional expression, which the PN observed in the client. This observation is significant as it can provide valuable information for the client's mental health assessment and subsequent care planning. Choice A, 'Impaired verbalization,' does not capture the lack of emotional expression seen in the client. Choice B, 'Depressed mood,' may not accurately reflect the observed behavior of the client. Choice D, 'Diminished LOC,' pertains to the level of consciousness, which was not indicated as being a concern in the scenario provided.

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