Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a laminectomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Elevate the client's legs while in bed.
• B. Reposition the client every 2 hours.
• C. Maintain bed rest for the first 24 hours postoperatively.
• D. Ambulate the client on the first postoperative day.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ambulating the client on the first postoperative day is crucial to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and aid in the recovery process. Elevating the legs while in bed can help with circulation but is not as effective in preventing complications related to immobility post-surgery. Repositioning every 2 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but does not directly address postoperative care. Maintaining bed rest for the first 24 hours postoperatively can increase the risk of complications associated with immobility, making early ambulation a more appropriate intervention.

2. While caring for a client with an arterial line, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Level the transducer with the client's phlebotomy site
• B. Flush the arterial line every 8 hours
• C. Obtain a blood sample for arterial blood gases
• D. Keep the client's hand elevated above the heart level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Obtaining arterial blood gases is a crucial nursing action when caring for a client with an arterial line. This procedure helps assess the client's oxygenation status and acid-base balance accurately. Leveling the transducer with the client's phlebotomy site (A) is important for accurate pressure measurements, but it is not the primary action in this scenario. Flushing the arterial line every 8 hours (B) is a routine maintenance procedure and not the immediate priority. Keeping the client's hand elevated above the heart level (D) is a good practice to prevent swelling, but it is not directly related to the arterial line care in this case.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of urinary incontinence. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Urine output of 50 mL in 2 hours
• B. Presence of an indwelling urinary catheter
• C. Frequent urination at night
• D. Dark-colored urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, dark-colored urine. Dark-colored urine can indicate various issues such as dehydration, liver problems, or blood in the urine, which could be concerning and require further evaluation by the provider. Choices A, B, and C are not necessarily findings that would need immediate reporting to the provider. A urine output of 50 mL in 2 hours might be low but could be influenced by various factors and might not always require immediate action. The presence of an indwelling urinary catheter is a known history and not a new finding. Frequent urination at night could be a symptom related to various conditions but may not be an urgent concern unless accompanied by other significant symptoms.

4. A nurse is discussing group treatment and therapy with a client. The nurse should include which of the following as being a characteristic of a therapeutic group?

• A. The group is organized in an autocratic structure
• B. The group encourages members to focus on a particular issue
• C. The group must be led by a licensed psychiatrist
• D. The group encourages clients to form dependent relationships

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Therapeutic groups indeed encourage members to focus on particular issues. This focus helps individuals address specific concerns, work through challenges, and support one another in a structured setting. Choice A is incorrect because therapeutic groups typically promote a democratic structure that values input from all members rather than an autocratic one. Choice C is incorrect as therapeutic groups can be led by various mental health professionals, not solely by licensed psychiatrists. Choice D is incorrect; therapeutic groups aim to foster independent growth and self-reliance rather than promoting dependent relationships.

5. A client is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Cross your legs when sitting to prevent discomfort.
• B. Perform range-of-motion exercises every 4 hours.
• C. Wear compression stockings daily.
• D. Apply heat to the incision site daily.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Wear compression stockings daily.' Wearing compression stockings is essential after knee surgery to prevent venous stasis and reduce the risk of blood clots. Choice A is incorrect as crossing legs when sitting can increase the risk of blood clots. Choice B is incorrect because performing range-of-motion exercises every 4 hours may not be suitable for all clients post total knee arthroplasty. Choice D is incorrect as applying heat to the incision site can increase the risk of infection.

Similar Questions