a nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection which finding is most concerning
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

2. What is the most appropriate method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the duration of catheter use. Limiting the duration of catheterization is a crucial method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged catheter use increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, leading to infections. Using clean gloves for insertion (choice A) is important for preventing contamination but does not address the main cause of CAUTIs. Using a smaller size catheter (choice C) may help reduce trauma but does not directly prevent infections. Changing the catheter tubing every 24 hours (choice D) is not necessary unless clinically indicated, and it is not the most effective method for preventing CAUTIs.

3. A client in her first trimester of pregnancy is being taught by a nurse about over-the-counter medications that belong to pregnancy risk category B. Which of the following medications should the nurse include?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetaminophen is the correct choice as it belongs to pregnancy risk category B, making it considered safe during pregnancy. Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as they are classified in higher-risk categories which may be harmful to the developing fetus.

4. Which of the following foods is a good source of protein?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cheddar cheese is indeed a good source of protein, providing a significant amount per serving. While chicken and tofu are also high in protein, cheddar cheese can be a beneficial source, especially for individuals looking for non-meat options. Almonds, while nutritious, are not as high in protein compared to the other options listed.

5. A client had a left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to prevent dislocation?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a foam wedge between the legs. This intervention helps prevent hip dislocation by maintaining proper leg alignment after surgery. Monitoring for shortening of the affected leg (choice B) is not directly related to preventing dislocation. Encouraging the use of elastic stockings (choice C) is more related to preventing deep vein thrombosis rather than dislocation. Avoiding flexing the hips more than 60 degrees (choice D) is important post-surgery, but it is not the most direct intervention to prevent dislocation.

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