Nursing Elites

1. An overweight client taking warfarin (Coumadin) has dry skin due to decreased arterial blood flow. What should the nurse instruct the client to do? Select all that apply.

• A. Apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin.
• B. Follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet.
• C. Inspect the involved areas daily for new ulcerations.
• D. Instruct the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To address dry skin and prevent chronic ulcers and infections in an overweight client on warfarin with decreased arterial blood flow, the nurse should instruct the client to apply lanolin or petroleum jelly to intact skin. This helps maintain skin integrity and moisture. Following a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet (Choice B) may be beneficial for weight management but is not directly related to skin care. Inspecting involved areas daily for new ulcerations (Choice C) is important for skin assessment and early intervention but does not specifically address dry skin. Instructing the client to limit activities of daily living (ADLs) (Choice D) is not necessary for addressing dry skin; in fact, promoting mobility and circulation through appropriate activities is crucial.

2. A client with partial thickness burns to the lower extremities is scheduled for whirlpool therapy to debride the burned area. Which intervention should the nurse implement before transporting the client to the physical therapy department?

• A. Obtain supplies to re-dress the burn area.
• B. Verify the client's signed consent form.
• C. Give a prescribed narcotic analgesic agent.
• D. Perform active range-of-motion exercises.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Before transporting the client for whirlpool therapy to debride the burned area, the nurse should give a prescribed narcotic analgesic agent. This intervention is essential to manage pain effectively during the debridement process. Obtaining supplies to re-dress the burn area (Choice A) is important but not as immediate as providing pain relief. Verifying the client's signed consent form (Choice B) is necessary for procedures but does not address the client's immediate pain needs. Performing active range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) is not indicated before whirlpool therapy for debridement of burns and may cause further discomfort to the client.

3. A client is being prepared for transfer to the operating room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take in the care of this client at this time?

• A. Ensuring that the client has voided
• B. Administering all daily medications
• C. Practicing postoperative breathing exercises
• D. Verifying that the client has not eaten for the last 24 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should ensure that the client has voided, especially if a Foley catheter is not in place. This step is important to prevent urinary retention during the surgical procedure. Administering all daily medications just before surgery is not standard practice. The physician typically provides specific orders regarding which medications can be taken with a sip of water before surgery. Postoperative breathing exercises are usually taught after surgery to prevent complications like atelectasis. Verifying that the client has not eaten for the last 24 hours is not a standard preoperative practice; instead, the client is usually instructed to fast for a specific period before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

4. A client who just returned from the recovery room after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is restless, and her pulse rate is increased. As the nurse continues the assessment, the client begins to vomit a copious amount of bright-red blood. The immediate nursing action is to:

• A. Notify the surgeon
• B. Continue the assessment
• C. Check the client’s blood pressure
• D. Obtain a flashlight, gauze, and a curved hemostat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario described, the client's presentation with bright-red blood vomiting after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is highly concerning for an immediate postoperative hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening. The priority action for the nurse is to notify the surgeon immediately. Prompt communication with the surgeon is vital to ensure swift intervention and appropriate management to address the hemorrhage effectively. Continuing the assessment, checking the client's blood pressure, or obtaining equipment are all secondary actions in this critical situation and would delay the necessary urgent intervention required to manage the hemorrhage effectively.

5. Polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution (GoLYTELY) is prescribed for a hospitalized client scheduled for a colonoscopy. The client begins to experience diarrhea after drinking the solution. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Calling the physician
• B. Administering a cleansing enema
• C. Documenting the diarrhea in the medical record
• D. Giving intravenous replacement fluids in large amounts

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action by the nurse in this situation is to document the diarrhea in the medical record. Polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution (GoLYTELY) is a bowel evacuant used to cleanse the bowel before a colonoscopy. It is expected to cause mild diarrhea, which is a normal response to the medication. The diarrhea helps clear the bowel in preparation for the procedure. Calling the physician is not necessary unless there are complications. Administering a cleansing enema or giving intravenous replacement fluids in large amounts are not appropriate actions as they are not indicated for managing the expected diarrhea caused by GoLYTELY.

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