Nursing Elites

1. What are the common causes of postoperative pain and how should it be managed?

• A. Surgical incision and muscle tension
• B. Nerve damage and wound complications
• C. Hypotension and respiratory issues
• D. Infection at the incision site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative pain is commonly caused by the surgical incision and muscle tension. The correct answer is A. Surgical incisions cause tissue damage, triggering pain responses. Muscle tension can result from factors like positioning during surgery or guarding due to pain. Managing postoperative pain caused by surgical incisions and muscle tension involves the use of analgesics to alleviate discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Nerve damage and wound complications may also cause pain but are not as common as surgical incisions and muscle tension. Hypotension and respiratory issues are not direct causes of postoperative pain. Infection at the incision site can lead to pain, but it is a specific complication rather than a common cause of postoperative pain.

2. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the postpartum unit due to a staffing shortage for the shift. Which of the following client assignments should the nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NGT set to continuous suction.
• B. A client who has fractured a femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.
• C. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
• D. A client who has an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the LPN can care for stable clients with complex needs, such as managing an NGT set to continuous suction. Choices B, C, and D involve clients with more acute conditions that require a higher level of assessment and intervention, making them unsuitable for delegation to an LPN. Choice B requires prompt evaluation of the shortness of breath in a client with a recent femur fracture, which is beyond the LPN's scope. Choice C involves a head injury and unequal pupils, indicating the need for neurological assessment and close monitoring. Choice D relates to a critically low hemoglobin level and the need for blood transfusion, requiring careful monitoring and potential intervention beyond the LPN's role.

3. What are the complications of diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration
• B. Hypoglycemia and increased urination
• C. Kidney failure and respiratory distress
• D. Liver failure and hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, as well as dehydration due to excess urination and vomiting. These complications should be managed promptly with appropriate fluids and insulin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypoglycemia and increased urination are not typical complications of diabetic ketoacidosis; kidney failure and respiratory distress may occur in severe cases but are not the primary complications. Liver failure and hypertension are not directly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about ways to reduce symptoms. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid lying down after meals
• B. Eat large meals to reduce acid production
• C. Drink carbonated beverages with meals
• D. Consume spicy foods to improve digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid lying down after meals.' This instruction is important for clients with GERD as it helps reduce reflux symptoms. Lying down after meals can worsen GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Choice B is incorrect because eating large meals can actually increase acid production and exacerbate GERD symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as carbonated beverages can trigger acid reflux in individuals with GERD. Choice D is also incorrect because consuming spicy foods can irritate the esophagus and lead to increased reflux symptoms.

5. A nurse is implementing a plan of care for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

• A. Implement a regular toileting schedule
• B. Encourage the client to wear athletic socks when ambulating
• C. Place all four bed rails in the upright position
• D. Require a family member to remain at the bedside

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Implementing a regular toileting schedule is an appropriate nursing action for a client at risk for falls. This action can help prevent accidents related to rushing to the bathroom. Encouraging the client to wear athletic socks when ambulating (Choice B) is not safe as it can increase the risk of slipping and falling. Placing all four bed rails in the upright position (Choice C) can lead to entrapment or falls when the client tries to get out of bed. Requiring a family member to remain at the bedside (Choice D) may not always be feasible and does not directly address fall prevention strategies like the toileting schedule.

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