Nursing Elites

1. A client postoperative expresses pain during dressing changes. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client’s dressing.
• B. Change the dressing less frequently.
• C. Apply a topical anesthetic before removing the dressing.
• D. Use a non-adherent dressing to reduce pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering pain medication before changing the dressing is the priority action as it will help alleviate the client's pain and improve comfort. Choice B, changing the dressing less frequently, may hinder proper wound care and healing. Applying a topical anesthetic (choice C) might offer some relief but systemic pain medication is more effective. Using a non-adherent dressing (choice D) can reduce pain during dressing changes, but addressing immediate pain with medication is the most appropriate intervention in this case.

2. A client with a left leg cast is being taught how to use crutches. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?

• A. When descending stairs, I will first shift my weight to my right (unaffected) leg.
• B. I will use crutches to support my weight on my left leg.
• C. When ascending stairs, I will lead with my left leg.
• D. I will keep my crutches under my arms for support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Shifting weight to the unaffected leg when descending stairs is crucial for maintaining balance and safety. This technique helps prevent falls and distributes weight appropriately. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because using crutches to support the weight on the injured leg, leading with the injured leg when ascending stairs, and keeping crutches under the arms are all potentially unsafe practices that could lead to further injury or accidents.

3. When transferring a postoperative client from the PACU following abdominal surgery, what action should the nurse take to move the client from the stretcher to the bed?

• A. Lock the wheels on both the bed and stretcher
• B. Adjust the bed to a low position
• C. Ask the client to assist in the transfer
• D. Use a transfer sheet without locking the wheels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Locking the wheels on both the bed and stretcher is crucial for ensuring stability during the transfer process. This action is essential to prevent unexpected movement of the bed or stretcher, reducing the risk of injury to the client and facilitating a safe transfer. Adjusting the bed to a low position is important for the client's comfort and safety but does not directly address the immediate need for stability during the transfer. Asking the client to assist in the transfer may not be feasible immediately postoperatively, depending on their condition and the type of surgery they underwent. Using a transfer sheet without locking the wheels can introduce potential safety hazards as the bed or stretcher may move during the transfer, undermining the stability needed for a safe and effective transfer.

4. The patient is admitted to a skilled care unit for rehabilitation after the surgical procedure of fixation of a fractured left hip. The patient's nursing diagnosis is Impaired physical mobility related to musculoskeletal impairment from surgery and pain with movement. The patient is able to use a walker but needs assistance ambulating and transferring from the bed to the chair. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for this patient?

• A. Obtain assistance and physically transfer the patient to the chair.
• B. Assist with ambulation and measure how far the patient walks.
• C. Give pain medication after ambulation so the patient will have a clear mind.
• D. Bring the patient to the cafeteria for group instruction on ambulation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for this patient is to assist with ambulation and measure how far the patient walks. This intervention helps quantify the patient's progress in mobility and rehabilitation. Choice A is incorrect because physically transferring the patient does not focus on promoting independence or assessing progress. Choice C is inappropriate as pain medication should be given based on scheduled times or as needed, not specifically after ambulation. Choice D is not suitable as group instruction on ambulation is not as individualized or focused on the patient's current needs and abilities.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is reporting pain despite taking analgesics. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to determine the intensity of the client’s pain?

• A. Ask the client what precipitates the pain.
• B. Question the client about the location of the pain.
• C. Offer the client a pain scale to measure their pain.
• D. Use open-ended questions to identify the client’s pain sensations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering the client a pain scale is the most appropriate action to determine the intensity of the client’s pain. Pain scales help quantify the intensity of pain, providing a standardized way to assess and compare pain levels. Asking about precipitating factors (choice A) may help identify triggers but does not directly measure pain intensity. Questioning about the location of pain (choice B) helps with localization but not with quantifying intensity. Using open-ended questions (choice D) may provide insights into the quality and experience of pain but does not provide a standardized measure of intensity.

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