Nursing Elites

1. A client who is to undergo surgery for a hip fracture is being taught by a nurse about postoperative pain management. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will ask for pain medication only if the pain becomes unbearable.
• B. I will ask the nurse to increase my medication if the pain doesn't subside.
• C. I will wait until the pain is severe before taking my medication.
• D. I will take my medication at regular intervals to stay ahead of the pain.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because taking pain medication at regular intervals helps maintain consistent pain control after surgery. Option A is incorrect because waiting for the pain to become unbearable can lead to inadequate pain management. Option B is incorrect as it suggests increasing medication without a schedule. Option C is incorrect because waiting for the pain to be severe before taking medication is not proactive pain management.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

3. A client is having difficulty voiding after removal of an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse do?

• A. Assess for bladder distention after 6 hours
• B. Encourage the client to use a bedpan in the supine position
• C. Restrict the client's intake of oral fluids
• D. Pour warm water over the client's perineum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to pour warm water over the client's perineum. This action helps stimulate voiding post-catheterization by promoting relaxation and providing sensory input. Assessing for bladder distention after 6 hours (Choice A) is important but not the immediate intervention needed for difficulty voiding. Encouraging the client to use a bedpan in the supine position (Choice B) may not effectively address the issue of post-catheterization voiding difficulty. Restricting the client's intake of oral fluids (Choice C) is not appropriate and can lead to dehydration, which is not helpful in promoting voiding.

4. What are the steps in providing perineal care to a patient?

• A. Clean the perineal area with soap and water
• B. Use antiseptic wipes to prevent infection
• C. Pat the area dry after cleaning
• D. Always use gloves when performing care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clean the perineal area with soap and water. This step is essential in preventing infection and promoting hygiene. Using antiseptic wipes (choice B) is not a standard practice for perineal care; soap and water are preferred. While patting the area dry after cleaning (choice C) is important, the initial step of cleaning with soap and water is crucial. Using gloves (choice D) is a good practice to prevent the spread of infection, but it is not the initial step in providing perineal care.

5. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a client with left-leg weakness who is learning to use a cane?

• A. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• B. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
• C. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This ensures stability and helps distribute weight evenly between the legs, reducing the risk of falls. Using the cane on the weak side of the body (Choice B) may not provide adequate support. Advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously (Choice C) can lead to imbalance and increases the risk of falls. Advancing the cane too far with each step (Choice D) can also compromise balance and stability.

Similar Questions