Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the right tibia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serous drainage on the dressing
• B. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
• C. Heart rate of 88/min
• D. Pallor of the affected extremity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pallor of the affected extremity could indicate impaired circulation, such as compromised blood flow to the area, which is crucial to monitor postoperatively. This finding suggests potential vascular compromise or decreased blood supply to the extremity, which is a serious concern and should be reported promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention. Serous drainage on the dressing is a normal finding in the immediate postoperative period and does not necessarily indicate a complication requiring immediate provider notification. Capillary refill of 2 seconds is within the normal range (less than 3 seconds) and indicates adequate peripheral perfusion. A heart rate of 88/min is also within the normal range for an adult and is not typically a cause for immediate concern postoperatively.

2. A client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.''
• B. ''I will take this medication with an antacid.''
• C. ''I should avoid eating foods that contain iodine.''
• D. ''You should store this medication in the refrigerator.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ''I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.'' Levothyroxine is a lifelong medication for clients with hypothyroidism and should be taken as prescribed. Choice B is incorrect because levothyroxine should not be taken with antacids as they can interfere with its absorption. Choice C is incorrect as iodine-containing foods do not need to be avoided with levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine should be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Monitor the client's urinary output.
• B. Assist the client to splint the incision with a pillow when coughing.
• C. Provide the client with a clear liquid diet.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assisting the client to splint the incision with a pillow while coughing is the correct action in this scenario. This intervention helps reduce pain and prevent wound dehiscence, which is the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound. Monitoring urinary output is important but not the priority at this immediate postoperative stage. Providing a clear liquid diet may be indicated later but is not the most immediate concern. Encouraging ambulation is beneficial for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis, but splinting the incision is more crucial at this early postoperative period.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 hour postoperative following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 78/min.
• B. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg.
• C. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
• D. Respiratory rate of 16/min.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate of 78/min is within the normal range; however, postoperative patients require close monitoring for any signs of complications. While the heart rate is normal, other critical findings such as increased pain, excessive bleeding, or other concerning symptoms may need immediate attention. Choices B, C, and D all indicate normal postoperative vital signs and oxygen saturation levels, which do not raise immediate concerns requiring reporting to the provider.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Peripheral edema.
• B. Cough with frothy sputum.
• C. Jugular vein distention.
• D. Dependent edema.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jugular vein distention. In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle fails to efficiently pump blood to the body, causing increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. This increased pressure can lead to symptoms like jugular vein distention, as blood backs up in the pulmonary circulation and causes congestion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Peripheral edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, cough with frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema which can occur in left-sided heart failure but is not as specific as jugular vein distention, and dependent edema is also more indicative of right-sided heart failure due to fluid retention and increased venous pressure in the systemic circulation.

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