Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who is 4 hr postoperative following perforated appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Offer small amounts of clear liquids 6 hr following surgery.
• B. Give cromolyn nebulizer solution every 6 hr.
• C. Apply a warm compress to the operative site every 4 hr.
• D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hours is crucial to ensure adequate pain control in the immediate postoperative period. Choice A is incorrect because clear liquids are typically initiated gradually and advanced as tolerated but not specifically at 6 hours post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect as cromolyn nebulizer solution is not indicated for postoperative pain management in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress may not be appropriate for the operative site after appendicitis surgery and can potentially increase the risk of infection.

2. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for haloperidol. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Dry mouth.
• C. Sedation.
• D. Shuffling gait.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shuffling gait. A shuffling gait can indicate extrapyramidal symptoms, a potentially serious side effect of haloperidol. Extrapyramidal symptoms include movement disorders such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as urgent or indicative of serious complications compared to a shuffling gait.

3. A nurse is planning to irrigate and dress a clean, granulating wound for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Irrigate the wound with normal saline.
• B. Apply a wet-to-dry gauze dressing.
• C. Use a cotton ball to cleanse the wound.
• D. Administer an analgesic after the dressing change.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the wound with normal saline. Normal saline is the preferred solution for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and gentle, promoting healing in granulating wounds. Choice B, applying a wet-to-dry gauze dressing, is not appropriate for clean, granulating wounds as it can cause trauma to the wound bed upon removal. Choice C, using a cotton ball to cleanse the wound, is not ideal as cotton fibers can adhere to the wound and cause contamination. Choice D, administering an analgesic after the dressing change, is important for pain management but is not directly related to irrigating and dressing the wound.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess and manage a patient with acute renal failure?

• A. Monitor urine output and administer diuretics
• B. Administer IV fluids and restrict potassium intake
• C. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide dietary education
• D. Administer potassium and restrict fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In acute renal failure, it is crucial to monitor urine output to assess kidney function and fluid balance. Administering diuretics helps manage fluid levels by promoting urine production. Choice B is incorrect because administering IV fluids can worsen fluid overload in renal failure patients, and restricting potassium intake is not typically the initial approach. Choice C is not the primary intervention but is important for long-term management. Choice D is incorrect as administering potassium can be dangerous in renal failure, and restricting fluids can lead to dehydration.

5. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who is postoperative following an open radical prostatectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Perform Kegel exercises daily
• B. Perform light exercise for 3 hours each day
• C. Avoid bathing for 3 days
• D. Avoid sitting in a chair for more than 2 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform Kegel exercises daily. After a radical prostatectomy, Kegel exercises are beneficial as they help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, aiding in urinary control and recovery. Choice B is incorrect because recommending 3 hours of light exercise daily may not be suitable immediately postoperatively. Choice C is incorrect as personal hygiene, including bathing, is important for postoperative care. Choice D is incorrect because sitting for more than 2 hours does not specifically relate to the client's postoperative care needs.

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