Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A client is experiencing numbness and tingling distal to a new arm cast with no increase in pain. The nurse assesses that the client's fingers are pale, cool and swollen. What action does the nurse take next?

• A. Remove the cast to decrease pressure
• B. Raise the arm above the level of the heart
• C. Apply heat to the affected hand
• D. Encourage range of motion

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

3. A client is in skeletal traction. With the nurse's assessment, it is noted that the pairs appear red, swollen and there is purulent drainage. What action does the nurse take first?

• A. Collect a culture of the purulent fluid
• B. Cleanse the skin around the pins
• C. Administer an antibiotic
• D. Instruct the client to complete exercise of the affected extremity

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

4. The nurse is caring for 4 clients. Which of these clients will the nurse see first?

• A. A client with sudden and increasing pain in his fractured arm
• B. A client being discharged in 2 hours and needs to be taught how to use his crutches
• C. A client with RA and a scheduled pain medication
• D. A client with a fractured ankle who would like a glass of water

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. What statement by the client with plantar fasciitis indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will use warm packs on my feet.
• B. I will use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for comfort.
• C. I will rest and stretch my feet.
• D. I will wear supportive shoes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Using warm packs can exacerbate inflammation in plantar fasciitis. Choices B, C, and D are all appropriate interventions for managing plantar fasciitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Resting and stretching the feet can promote healing and reduce symptoms. Wearing supportive shoes can provide stability and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Therefore, the client's statement about using warm packs indicates a need for further teaching as it can worsen the condition.

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