Nursing Elites

1. A nurse working in an orthopedic unit is caring for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at highest risk for skin breakdown?

• A. An adolescent who has a patella fracture and is in an immobilizer
• B. A young adult who has a femur fracture and is going to surgery in two hours
• C. A middle-aged adult who has fractured his radius and has a cast
• D. An older adult who has a hip fracture and is immobile

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

2. The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery. What would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately?

• A. The client refused her pain medication this morning and is doing physical therapy.
• B. The client reports a minor headache and states she takes an over-the-counter pain pill at home.
• C. The client reports intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort.
• D. The client has paresthesia in her fingers and intense increasing pain in her shoulder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery, paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder could indicate nerve compression or damage, which are serious post-operative complications. This situation requires immediate attention from the provider to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate management. The other options, such as refusing pain medication, reporting a minor headache, or experiencing minor abdominal discomfort, are important but not as urgent or indicative of potential serious complications as paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder.

3. A nurse assesses an area of skin over a bony prominence. What finding would be most concerning?

• A. Redness
• B. Non-blanching
• C. Blanching
• D. Warmth

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

4. A nurse is admitting a client who has tuberculosis. What transmission-based precautions should the nurse initiate?

• A. Droplet
• B. Contact
• C. Airborne
• D. Protective

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

5. The nurse is assessing a client who had a cast placed 4 hours ago. What assessment finding is cause for concern?

• A. The nurse assesses capillary refill of 2 seconds
• B. The nurse cannot insert one finger between the cast and the skin
• C. The nurse finds 2+ pulses distal from the cast
• D. The nurse does not observe any drainage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Inability to insert a finger between the cast and skin indicates the cast is too tight, risking circulation problems.

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