Nursing Elites

1. Following a total hip arthroplasty, what intervention should the healthcare provider implement for the client?

• A. Place a pillow between the client's legs.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
• C. Position the client on the operative side.
• D. Keep the client’s legs adducted.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is crucial post hip arthroplasty surgery to prevent hip dislocation. This intervention helps maintain proper alignment and prevents legs from crossing midline, reducing the risk of hip prosthesis dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees, positioning the client on the operative side, or keeping the client's legs adducted are not recommended postoperative interventions for a total hip arthroplasty, as they can increase the risk of complications and compromise the surgical site.

2. When teaching a client with a new diagnosis of heart failure about dietary management, which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Increase your intake of sodium-rich foods.
• B. Decrease your intake of sodium-rich foods.
• C. Avoid foods that contain lactose.
• D. Increase your intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to decrease the intake of sodium-rich foods. Sodium restriction is crucial in managing heart failure as it helps to reduce fluid retention and alleviate symptoms. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid buildup in the body, worsening heart failure. Therefore, advising the client to decrease sodium-rich foods is essential for their overall health and management of the condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of sodium-rich foods (Choice A) would worsen fluid retention and heart failure symptoms. Avoiding foods that contain lactose (Choice C) is not directly related to heart failure management through sodium restriction. Increasing intake of dairy products (Choice D) may not be suitable for all heart failure patients, especially if they need to limit saturated fats or cholesterol in their diet.

3. What is the primary goal of palliative care?

• A. To cure the client's illness.
• B. To prolong the client's life.
• C. To provide comfort and improve the quality of life.
• D. To prepare the client for surgery.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of palliative care is to provide comfort and improve the quality of life for clients with serious illnesses. Palliative care aims to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to enhance overall well-being rather than focusing on curing the underlying illness, prolonging life, or preparing for surgery. It emphasizes symptom management, pain relief, and support for patients and their families to ensure a better quality of life during the course of their illness.

4. During postoperative teaching following a hip arthroplasty, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid lying on your operative side.
• B. Cross your legs at the ankles only.
• C. Place a pillow between your legs when turning.
• D. Avoid bending your hip more than 120 degrees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include during postoperative teaching following a hip arthroplasty is to 'Place a pillow between your legs when turning.' Placing a pillow between the legs when turning is crucial as it helps prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis. This position aids in maintaining proper alignment and stability, thereby reducing the risk of complications after hip arthroplasty surgery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific action needed to protect the hip prosthesis and prevent complications.

5. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

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