Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following clients requiring crutches should a nurse teach about how to use a three-point gait?

• A. A client who has a right femur fracture with no weight-bearing on the affected leg
• B. A client who has bilateral leg braces due to paralysis of the lower extremities
• C. A client who has bilateral knee replacements with partial weight-bearing on both legs
• D. A client who is able to bear full weight on both lower extremities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A three-point gait is recommended for clients who are non-weight bearing on one leg. In this case, a client with a right femur fracture requiring no weight-bearing on the affected leg would benefit from learning how to use a three-point gait. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve clients who have varying degrees of weight-bearing ability on both legs, which would not require the use of a three-point gait.

2. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Monitoring for signs of pulmonary embolism
• B. Applying compression stockings
• C. Administering anticoagulants as prescribed
• D. Encouraging leg elevation to reduce swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring for signs of pulmonary embolism is crucial in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it can be a life-threatening complication. While administering anticoagulants as prescribed is important for preventing clot progression, the immediate concern is detecting potential pulmonary embolism. Applying compression stockings and encouraging leg elevation are beneficial measures for managing DVT symptoms but are not as critical as monitoring for pulmonary embolism.

3. A nurse is caring for a patient postoperatively after a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately?

• A. Hoarseness
• B. Difficulty swallowing
• C. Numbness in the fingers
• D. Tingling around the mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a serious complication resulting from accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing are common post-thyroidectomy symptoms related to the surgery itself and the manipulation of the vocal cords and nearby structures. Numbness in the fingers is not typically associated with immediate serious complications of a thyroidectomy.

4. A nurse is observing a patient's use of a walker. Which observation indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The patient advances the walker too far ahead.
• B. The patient uses the walker to assist in standing.
• C. The patient maintains their balance while using the walker.
• D. The patient walks with their back hunched over.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because advancing the walker too far ahead increases the risk of falls, indicating a need for further teaching. Choice B is correct as using the walker to assist in standing is a proper use. Choice C is correct as maintaining balance while using the walker shows proper technique. Choice D is incorrect as walking with the back hunched over is a posture issue, not directly related to walker use.

5. A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. Remain still once the gel pads are attached
• B. I will be placing electrodes on your chest
• C. I will lower the head of your bed so you can sit up
• D. Breathe normally throughout the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Instructing the client to remain still once the gel pads are attached is crucial to obtaining accurate ECG readings. Choice B is incorrect as electrodes are typically placed on the chest, not the breast. Choice C is incorrect because the client should lie flat during an ECG, not sit up. Choice D is incorrect because the client should breathe normally, rather than holding their breath, throughout the procedure.

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