how can a nurse prevent deep vein thrombosis dvt in post operative patients

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor

1. How can a healthcare provider prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in post-operative patients?

A. Encourage early ambulation
B. Administer anticoagulants
C. Apply compression stockings
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All of the above options are essential in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in post-operative patients. Encouraging early ambulation helps prevent blood stasis in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of DVT. Administering anticoagulants can prevent blood clots from forming. Compression stockings promote blood flow, reducing the likelihood of clot formation. Each intervention plays a crucial role in DVT prevention, making the correct answer 'All of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are not exclusive of each other but rather work synergistically to provide comprehensive prevention against DVT.

2. Which instruction is crucial for a client with diabetes being discharged?

A. Take insulin only when feeling unwell
B. Administer insulin before meals as prescribed
C. Monitor blood sugar levels weekly
D. Check blood sugar once in the morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering insulin before meals as prescribed is crucial for a client with diabetes being discharged because it ensures proper blood sugar control. Choice A is incorrect because insulin should not be taken only when feeling unwell; it should be taken as prescribed. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring blood sugar levels weekly may not provide timely adjustments to insulin doses. Choice D is incorrect as checking blood sugar only once in the morning is not sufficient for proper diabetes management.

3. During a home visit to an elderly client with mild dementia, the client's daughter reports that she has one major problem with her mother. She says, 'She sleeps most of the day and is up most of the night. I can't get a decent night's sleep anymore.' Which suggestions should the nurse make to the daughter?

A. Ask the client's physician for a strong sleep medicine
B. Establish a set routine for rising, hygiene, meals, short rest periods, and bedtime
C. Engage the client in simple, brief exercises or a short walk when she gets drowsy during the day
D. Promote relaxation before bedtime with a warm bath or relaxing music

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to establish a set routine for rising, hygiene, meals, short rest periods, and bedtime. By creating a structured daily schedule, the client's natural sleep-wake cycle can be regulated, helping to address the issue of daytime sleeping and nighttime wakefulness. Option A, asking for a strong sleep medicine, may not address the underlying cause and can have potential side effects in the elderly. Option C, engaging in exercises when drowsy, may not be suitable for someone with dementia and could disrupt sleep patterns further. Option D, promoting relaxation before bedtime, is helpful but may not be sufficient to address the client's significant sleep issue.

4. A 23-year-old woman at 32-weeks gestation is seen in the outpatient clinic. Which of the following findings, if assessed by the nurse, would indicate a possible complication?

A. The client's urine test is positive for glucose and acetone
B. The client has 1+ pedal edema in both feet at the end of the day
C. The client complains of an increase in vaginal discharge
D. The client says she feels pressure against her diaphragm when the baby moves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Positive urine glucose and acetone could indicate gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, both of which are complications. Choice B, pedal edema, is common in pregnancy but may also be a sign of preeclampsia if severe. Choice C, an increase in vaginal discharge, is a normal finding in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Choice D, pressure against the diaphragm when the baby moves, is a normal sensation due to the growing uterus displacing abdominal contents.

5. What intervention is essential for a client with dehydration?

A. Monitor electrolyte levels regularly
B. Administer oral rehydration solutions
C. Increase fluid intake to maintain hydration
D. Administer intravenous fluids to treat dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oral rehydration solutions is essential for a client with dehydration as it helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes directly through the oral route. Monitoring electrolyte levels regularly (Choice A) is important but not as essential as providing immediate rehydration. Increasing fluid intake to maintain hydration (Choice C) may not be sufficient for a client already dehydrated and needing rapid replenishment. Administering intravenous fluids (Choice D) is a more invasive intervention typically reserved for severe cases of dehydration or when the client cannot tolerate oral fluids.