a nurse is caring for a client post surgery with a chest tube what is the most important assessment
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Nursing Elites

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1. A client post-surgery has a chest tube. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the chest tube is functioning properly. This is crucial post-surgery to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube, positioning the client, or encouraging coughing are not appropriate assessments for a client with a chest tube post-surgery and could lead to serious issues if done incorrectly.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote wound healing?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client consumes adequate protein. Protein is essential for wound healing as it supports tissue repair. Applying heat to the surgical site (choice A) is not recommended as it can increase inflammation. Although ambulation (choice C) is beneficial for circulation and preventing complications, it is not directly related to promoting wound healing. Instructing the client to drink 4 liters of water daily (choice D) is excessive and not specifically related to wound healing in this context.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take to minimize the risk of injury for this client?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using a bed exit alarm system is crucial in minimizing the risk of injury for a client with dementia. This intervention helps alert staff when the client is attempting to leave the bed, reducing the chances of falls. Raising all four side rails while the client is in bed (Choice B) can lead to restraint-related issues and is not recommended unless necessary for safety reasons. Applying a soft wrist restraint (Choice C) is generally not the first choice in managing clients with dementia due to the risk of complications and loss of mobility. Dimming the lights in the client's room (Choice D) may not directly address the risk of injury associated with dementia and may even increase the risk of falls due to poor visibility.

4. A client with hypokalemia is commonly expected to present with which of the following findings?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle weakness. Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness. This occurs because potassium is essential for proper muscle function, and a deficiency can impair muscle strength. Nausea (choice B) is not a typical finding associated with hypokalemia. Tingling sensation (choice C) is more commonly linked to issues like nerve damage or poor blood circulation, rather than hypokalemia. Increased thirst (choice D) is not a direct symptom of hypokalemia; it is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes or dehydration.

5. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient with a tracheostomy?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a patent airway and monitor for infection. These are crucial nursing interventions for patients with tracheostomies to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent complications. Suctioning airway secretions and providing humidified oxygen can be part of the care plan but are not as essential as maintaining a patent airway. Educating the patient on self-care and tracheostomy cleaning is important for long-term management but is not as immediate as ensuring a patent airway and monitoring for infection. Changing tracheostomy ties daily is a specific task related to tracheostomy care but is not as critical as ensuring the airway is clear and infection-free.

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