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 nurse is teaching a client who has fibromyalgia about strategies that might help reduce her symptoms. What should the nurse include in the client education?

• A. Avoid exercise during flare-ups
• B. Do high impact exercises like running
• C. Establish a regular sleep pattern
• D. Increase calcium and caffeine intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

3. What is the priority nursing diagnosis after surgery to repair a fracture?

• A. Disturbed body image
• B. Risk for infection
• C. Risk for impaired skin integrity
• D. Acute pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for infection. After surgery to repair a fracture, the priority nursing diagnosis is to monitor for the risk of infection to promote proper healing. Infections can significantly delay the healing process and lead to further complications. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority immediately post-surgery. Disturbed body image, risk for impaired skin integrity, and acute pain may be concerns but are not the priority in the immediate post-operative period following fracture repair.

4. 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:

5. A client with systemic sclerosis has been in bed for 2 weeks due to fatigue and abdominal pain. Today, the client came into the clinic complaining of her leg being hot, red and painful. What does the nurse suspect?

• A. Amputation
• B. Deep vein thrombosis
• C. Internal bleeding
• D. Kidney failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

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